DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70030#0295
THE OATH OF THE HORATIL
DAVID.
The combat of the Horatii and the Curiatii, by which
Alba was rendered tributary to Rome, is celebrated in
history. The details of this event have been related by
Livy; and Corneille has made it the subject of one of
his finest tragedies.
The incident represented by M. David, is not re-
ported by historians; but he has, in no manner, swerved
from probability, which is sufficient for painters and for
poets.
The artist has imagined, at the moment when the three
brothers are about to set out for the battle, that the elder
Horatius, holding their swords in his hand, makes them
swear to conquer or perish : beside them Sabina is dis-
covered in a swoon; the young Camilla, leaning her head
upon that of her sister; and the mother of the three war-
riors, who embraces her grandson, appear to lament the
fate that threatens them.
In the group of the defenders of Rome, the husband
of Sabina, supposed to return conqueror, is first dis-
tinguished :—he is in the fore-ground ; his free and in-
trepid attitude forms a fine contrast to the more impe-
tuous ardour of his brothers.
DAVID.
The combat of the Horatii and the Curiatii, by which
Alba was rendered tributary to Rome, is celebrated in
history. The details of this event have been related by
Livy; and Corneille has made it the subject of one of
his finest tragedies.
The incident represented by M. David, is not re-
ported by historians; but he has, in no manner, swerved
from probability, which is sufficient for painters and for
poets.
The artist has imagined, at the moment when the three
brothers are about to set out for the battle, that the elder
Horatius, holding their swords in his hand, makes them
swear to conquer or perish : beside them Sabina is dis-
covered in a swoon; the young Camilla, leaning her head
upon that of her sister; and the mother of the three war-
riors, who embraces her grandson, appear to lament the
fate that threatens them.
In the group of the defenders of Rome, the husband
of Sabina, supposed to return conqueror, is first dis-
tinguished :—he is in the fore-ground ; his free and in-
trepid attitude forms a fine contrast to the more impe-
tuous ardour of his brothers.