Jacques-Louis David
1748-1825

French

Student of Joseph-Marie Vien
Teacher of Antoine-Jean Gros

Jacques-Louis David, as an anti-monarchist who voted for the execution of Louis XVI, played a major role in the events of the French Revolution. His artistic training under Joseph-Marie Vien prepared him for the work that would bring him notoriety: politically charged manifestos that sparked passion and debate. David spent time in prison for his activities, finally exiling himself to Brussels where he continued to paint to the end of his life. An admired and greatly influential teacher, he gave up his studio and students into the care of his protégé, Antoine-Jean Gros, when he left France, but the classical ideals and adherence to traditional academic methods of drawing continued to inform artists long after his departure.