Hersilia's Sisters: Jacques-Louis David, Women, and the Emergence of Civil Society in Post-Revolution France

In 1799, Jacques-Louis David exhibited his Intervention of the Sabines, a history painting featuring Hersilia, with portraits of Henriette de Verninac and Juliette Récamier. Norman Bryson's book explores how the flourishing of women's culture under the Directoire influenced David's art, with over 150 illustrations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: Getty Trust Publications

In 1799, the renowned French artist Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) unveiled his historical masterpiece, the Intervention of the Sabines. This captivating painting featured the ancient heroine Hersilia, accompanied by portraits of two contemporary women on either side. These women were Henriette de Verninac, the daughter of Charles-François Delacroix, the minister of foreign affairs, and Juliette Récamier, a prominent and esteemed socialite. Norman Bryson, in his insightful work, delves into the fascinating realm of art to unravel the essence of the Directoire, a period that bridged the tumultuous Reign of Terror (1793-94) and the coup that ultimately led to Napoleon's ascent to power in 1799.

Hersilias Sisters, a remarkable exploration, sheds light on the remarkable revival of cultural life and civil society during this transformative era. Through the extraordinary contributions of women pioneers across various cultural domains, including literature, theater, opera, moral philosophy, political theory, painting, popular journalism, and fashion, the book showcases the profound impact of women's culture on the art of Jacques-Louis David. Bryson's meticulous examination of David's artistic journey, spanning from The Intervention of the Sabines (completed in 1796) to Bonaparte Crossing the Alps (begun in 1800), reveals how the flourishing of women's culture under the Directoire exerted a significant influence on his artistic expression.

With an abundance of over 150 illustrations, this book offers a fresh and captivating perspective on this historical period, captivating readers with its insightful revelations.

Weight: 1408g
Dimension: 198 x 276 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781606067710