Study for "The Oath of the Tennis Court" c. 1790

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we have Jacques-Louis David’s Study for "The Oath of the Tennis Court." Editor: It’s surprisingly sparse for such a monumental moment, like a ghostly blueprint of revolution. Curator: Indeed. David, born in 1748, captured a key event where members of the French Third Estate swore not to quit until a constitution was established. Editor: Raising arms in unison, the figures become symbols of solidarity. The unfinished quality makes it feel raw, immediate. Curator: The symbolism in those raised arms echoes oaths and commitments throughout history, a primal sign of unity against oppression. Editor: This sketch reveals the power of collective will. It's fascinating to consider the painting's role in shaping public sentiment toward revolution. Curator: Absolutely. By stripping it bare, David allows us to see the emotional core, the hope and terror intertwined, before it was mythologized. Editor: A potent reminder that revolutions begin with individuals finding common cause. Curator: A testament to the power of images, even in their formative stages, to influence history.