Studies for the Oath of the Tennis Court 1789 - 1791

Jean-Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine made this drawing, "Studies for the Oath of the Tennis Court," using pen and brown ink with gray wash on paper. The composition is divided into two distinct registers, each densely populated with figures rendered in dynamic poses. The artist's use of line and wash creates a sense of movement, capturing the intensity of the depicted event. Norblin explores the themes of unity, resolve, and revolutionary fervor. The figures in the upper register appear to be in a state of heightened emotion, as they raise their hands in a collective oath. The lower register shows smaller groups of men embracing or in discussion, conveying a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The varying scales and arrangements of figures within the composition serve to emphasize the collective nature of the Oath. The Oath of the Tennis Court was a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, where members of the Third Estate pledged not to disband until a constitution was established. The use of dramatic gestures and spatial organization conveys the energy and historical significance of this event.