Serment Du Jeu De Paume, Le 20 Juin 1789 1791

Jacques-Louis David’s “The Tennis Court Oath” (1791) is a neoclassical painting that depicts the pivotal moment in the French Revolution where members of the Third Estate swore to not disband until a new constitution was established. The scene is set in an indoor tennis court, with a dramatic use of light highlighting the figures raising their hands in oath. The composition emphasizes the collective unity of the revolutionaries, while the theatrical gesture of the oath-taking signifies the determination and defiance of the Third Estate. David’s use of historical accuracy and dramatic realism contribute to the powerful and enduring impact of this iconic artwork.