Shop art print and framed art Léonidas aux Thermopyles by Jacques-Louis David

Leonidas at Thermopylae is a painting by Jacques-Louis David (1814). Begun in 1800, its production was interrupted by commissions for paintings for Napoleon's regime, only to be resumed in 1814. The painting is part of the Louvre's collection of French paintings. The title Leonidas at Thermopylae refers to a famous ancient battle from the Medieval Wars. David had the idea as early as 1799 or 1800, but did not really get down to work until 1812, as Napoleon Bonaparte's commissions took priority"; it was completed in October 1814;Initially intended for an amateur, Count Sommariva, the work remained in the painter's studio. The Louvre acquired it in 1826 (17 April), at the first posthumous sale of his works." In 480 BC, the Persians sought to invade Greece and had to pass through the rocky defile of Thermopylae ("Hot Gates"). After more than two days of fighting, the Persians despaired of getting through when Ephialtes, a traitor, showed them a way to catch the Greeks off-guard. Leonidas, leader of the Spartans, sent back his allies and kept his 300 Spartans with him. They put up heroic resistance (1:300 to 1:1000 depending on the estimate) and were slaughtered to the last man, thus enabling the population to be evacuated and preparing the response. In the centre is Leonidas, naked and armed (large round shield, armour and chief's helmet), sitting on a rock with his left leg bent"; on the right, Agis, his brother-in-law, lays the wreath of flowers he wore during the sacrifice [...]

 

This artwork is a painting from the classical period. It belongs to the neoclassicism style.

 

« Léonidas aux Thermopyles » is kept at Louvre, Paris, France.

 

Find the full description of Léonidas aux Thermopyles by Jacques-Louis David on Wikipedia.