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The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons. Study, late 18th-early 19th century. Creator: Jacques-Louis David
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The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons. Study, late 18th-early 19th century. Creator: Jacques-Louis David
The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons. Study, late 18th-early 19th century. The Roman leader Lucius Junius Brutus (6th century BCE), founder of the Roman Republic, contemplates the fate of his sons. They had conspired to overthrow the republic and restore the monarchy, and Brutus himself was compelled to order their deaths. In doing so, Brutus became the heroic defender of the republic, at the cost of his own family
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Media ID 36362508
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Attendant David Jacques Louis David L David Louis Dead Dead Body Dramatic Grief Grieving Jacques Louis David Lucius Junius Brutus Parent Tragedy Tragic Upset Ancient Roman Lictor Lictors National Museum Sweden Nationalmuseum Sweden Stockholm National Museum
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative study by Jacques-Louis David, entitled "The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons," depicts a pivotal moment in ancient Roman history. Lucius Junius Brutus, the legendary founder of the Roman Republic, stands somberly as two lictors, Roman magistrates, present him with the lifeless bodies of his own sons. Brutus had been forced to order their execution after they conspired to overthrow the republic and restore the monarchy. The painting, created in the late 18th to early 19th century, is a poignant exploration of the complexities of political power and the personal cost of upholding it. Brutus, once a loving father, now stands alone in his grief, his hand gesturing in despair as he contemplates the tragic outcome of his actions. The lictors, dressed in their traditional attire and equipped with laminated glass shields, stand stoically in the background, their faces expressionless as they complete their grim task. The painting, which is an oil on paper mounted on canvas, is a masterful work of art that captures the drama and tragedy of the moment. The use of light and shadow adds depth and texture to the scene, while the muted colors evoke a sense of sadness and introspection. The painting is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that political leaders must make and the emotional toll that power can take on individuals and families. This study by Jacques-Louis David is now housed in the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden, and is a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient Roman world and the timeless themes that continue to resonate with us today.
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