The Oath of the Horatii Flashcards

• Flashcards for The Oath of the Horatii and Alison Lapper Pregnant

The Oath of the Horatii

Themes

• Masculinity is portrayed as stoic, strong, and loyal to the state.
• Femininity is depicted as emotional, vulnerable, and tied to the home.
• Explores the conflict between civic duty and personal identity.

Composition

• Features three distinct groups: the father with swords, the sons taking an oath, and the women expressing grief.
• Incorporates Roman arches and chiaroscuro lighting to enhance the drama.

Symbolism

• Swords symbolize male sacrifice and commitment.
• Clasped hands represent unity under the patriarchal system.
• The empty space signifies the separation between the male/public and female/domestic spheres.

Historical Context

• Painted in 1784, before the French Revolution.
• Reflects Enlightenment ideals such as reason and sacrifice.
• Based on the Roman legend of the Horatii versus the Curiatii.

Critical Perspectives

• Feminist critique argues that it reinforces patriarchy.
• Political critique suggests it glorifies sacrifice and masks violence.
• Praised for its technique but critiqued for rigid gender roles.

Alison Lapper Pregnant

Themes

• Challenges traditional standards of beauty.
• Celebrates femininity as a source of power and visibility.
• Promotes the celebration of disability.

Composition

• A lifelike nude sculpture depicting Alison Lapper in her third trimester.
• Made of Carrara marble, symbolizing purity and making a classical reference.
• The monumental scale is intended to disrupt public space.

Symbolism

• The limbless form challenges conventional norms.
• Marble material elevates the subject of disability.
• Public placement aims to reclaim space for those often marginalized.

Context

• Alison Lapper has phocomelia, is a mouth-painting artist, holds an MBE, and is a mother.
• A collaborative work with artist Marc Quinn.

Critical Perspectives

• Supporters view it as "a bold statement about disability in the public realm" (Ann Millett).
• Critics argue that it demonstrates “elitist contempt for the public” (Brendan O’Neill).

Comparisons

Gender Roles Comparison

• The Oath of the Horatii reinforces traditional gender roles, portraying men as strong and women as weak.
• Alison Lapper Pregnant challenges these norms by celebrating disability and motherhood.

Identity Comparison

• The Oath of the Horatii contrasts men’s public duty with women’s private sorrow.
• Alison Lapper Pregnant places personal identity at the forefront, reclaiming public space.

Classical References

• The Oath of the Horatii features Roman arches and stoic poses, evoking classical antiquity.
• Alison Lapper Pregnant uses Carrara marble and references Venus de Milo, connecting to classical art.

Societal Influence

• The Oath of the Horatii reflected Enlightenment ideals and was used as Revolutionary propaganda.
• Alison Lapper Pregnant challenges modern norms and sparks debates about inclusivity.