Famous Neo-Classical Paintings

The Neo-Classical era began in the latter part of the 18th century,

The Death of Marat Jacques-Louis David

French artist Jacques-Louis David was one of the most prolific artists from the Neo-Classical era. His artwork centered around famous events in history.

During the late 1700s, Jean-Paul Marat was one of the most famous figures who led the French Revolution. He was a journalist and later became a politician. Marat wanted to wrench the country from wealthy aristocrats. He was unfortunately stabbed by a woman who sympathized with a group that Marat had eradicated. In this artwork, the artist depicts Marat’s death. It was painted in 1793 months after Marat’s assassination. The painting shows a dying Marat lying in a bathtub his hand clutching a note. The note includes a message to his killer, a woman named Charlotte Corday.

Oath of Horatii Jacques-Louis David

French artist Jacques-Louis David had a fascination with the most famous figures and legends in Roman history. This is among his most famous artworks completed in 1784. It is known to incorporate many Neo-Classical elements such as bold colors and an emphasis on historical accuracy. This artwork depicts a dispute between two cities in the 7th century BC. According to legend, three brothers from the Horatii family fought against three brothers from another family from a rival city. The only surviving Horatii brother defeated the three enemies. This painting depicts the father of the Horatii brothers holding their swords as the brothers salute him before heading into battle.

Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss Antonio Canova

Italian Neo-Classical sculptor Antonio Canova was one of the most widely known sculptors during this period. During his career, it became popular for art galleries to illuminate sculptures by torchlight. Among his best-known artworks was this sculpture completed in 1793. The sculpture portrays Cupid, the Roman god of love and desire reviving Psyche with a kiss. The story of Psyche and Cupid is a well-known love story from Roman mythology.

Death of General Wolfe Benjamin West

British-American artist Benjamin West was known for depicting one of the most famous battles of the Seven Years' War known as the Battle of Quebec. The battle took place in 1759 resulting in the death of British General James Wolfe. The artist completed this painting in 1770. It portrays British General James Wolfe dying in the arms of his officers. In real life, he was killed instantly by bullets fired from French soldiers.

Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi, Pointing to her Children as her Treasures Angelica Kauffman

Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman created artworks depicting figures from the period in Austria. Among her most famous paintings is this one completed in 1785. It depicts a woman named Cornelia, who was the mother of the esteemed Roman leaders Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus. According to legend when a woman met Cornelia and asked to see her most prized treasures, she pointed to her children, who when grown became the future rulers of Rome.

Achilles Receiving the Ambassadors of Agamemnon Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

French Neo-Classical artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres enjoyed painting scenes from history and Roman mythology. This artwork is among his most famous. It depicts a moment from the Trojan War involving the forces of Greece and Troy. In the painting, Achilles, the legendary hero and god-like warrior, is meeting with ambassadors from the Greek ruler, Agamemnon. They are begging him to return to the war effort.

King Lear Weeping Over the Dead Body of Cordelia James Barry

Irish artist James Barry was a renowned artist, poet, and printmaker. This is one of his most famous paintings. It was commissioned by Alderman Boydell for his Shakespeare Gallery. The artwork was completed in 1788 and depicts a famous tragic scene from a play by Shakespeare. King Lear is seen holding his deceased daughter Cordelia. The artist has included the image of Stonehenge in the background.