Among the leaders of the French Revolution, he was almost guillotined alongside Robespierre, but got on well with Napoleon, and was even offered the post of court painter to King Louis XVIII.
Neoclassicism
Successful on his 4th attempt at the Prix de Rome, he became the leading Neoclassical painter and painted history and other narratives. Then he became embroiled in the French Revolution.
Overview of David’s Neoclassicism, his teacher Guérin, the influence of Constable and Géricault’s Raft of the Medusa, his friends, and rival Ingres.
The Eclectic Light Company 