How does David treat the human figure in his painting?
Compare and contrast the women to the men. The prominent male figures in the center and left side of the painting are depicted with powerful musculature that recalls highly idealized classical art. The arms and legs of their anatomy are strongly modeled in light and shade, enhancing the illusion of strong definition in the musculature. Moreover, the Horatii stand erect with rigid arms and legs, further conveying their power and grandeur. In the end, they are symbolic of male virtue which David equates with their patriotism and civic-mindedness. In contrast, the women to the right of the men are seated and slumped over. Their arms and legs are bent rather than rigid, and their limp quality suggests their despair. A contrast exists between the harsh light that David uses to model the male figure and the more flat light he chooses for the female figure. The emotional state of these women is in stark contrast to the courage and resolve of the men. The female figure is not heroic. This cont
