Oath of the Horatii painter?

• A. Monet
• B. Degas
• C. Cezanne
• D. David

Answer: (D)

This work is a defining example of Neoclassical painting, created by Jacques-Louis David. It portrays a Roman legend in which three Horatii brothers pledge loyalty to Rome, with their father presenting them for the oath. The scene embodies civic virtue, rational order, and moral clarity, all conveyed through a precise, restrained composition: clear lines, a balanced, triangular arrangement, and a sober color palette that avoids emotional excess. David, a leading figure of Neoclassicism, used history painting to express political virtue and public duty, especially relevant in the context of late 18th‑century France.

Monet and Degas are associated with Impressionism, focusing on light, fleeting moments, and everyday life, while Cezanne moved toward Post‑Impressionism with a more personal, painterly approach. Their subjects and stylistic aims differ from the classical, morally charged history painting exemplified by this work.