Peter Paul Rubens and Jacques-Louis David both tied in political themes into their works. Rubens and David were both masters of their era. Not only were they renowned painters, but they were also active political patrons in their own societies. This shows through in the paintings The Crowning of Saint Catherine by Rubens and David's Oath of the Horatii.

Peter Paul Rubens lived from 1577 to 1640. The Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens is considered the most important artist of the 17th century. His style became an international definition of the beautiful aspects of baroque painting. His Aristocratic art dealt with classical and religious figures and subject matter. Influenced by the works of Titian, Raphael, and Michelangelo, Rubens developed a mature style combining elements of classical and baroque art. During the final decade of his life, Rubens turned more and more to portraits, genre scenes, and landscapes. (Fiero 74).

David was probably the first of the Neoclassicist painters. David was born into a prosperous middle-class family in Paris on August 30, 1748, and studied at the Academie Royale under the rococo painter J. M. Vien. He developed his own style basing it on cl

Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation.

Fichner-Tathus, Louis. Understanding Art. 5th edition. Prentice: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. 1998. Pg. 350

Jacques-Louis David. Accessed 4/14/00. http://www.ocaiw.com/david.html.

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These two artists used the methods of their times to convey their messages. The periods they were in were greatly shaped and benefited by the works of Rubens and David. Their paintings on the outside were masterpieces to be enjoyed by anyone. Deeper inside the paintings were concealed a special meaning. These artists both wanted to reshape the way we looked at the political world around us. Rubens just wanted to make a simple, religious statement while David made a political proclamation of action. These two will both live on through the ages commemorated by the works they created. Their messages will live on with these works as long as people take the time to stop and listen.

The styles of the two painting in comparison demonstrate the different characteristics of each of the periods. The baroque period was characterized by drama. The figures in the works are portrayed as though they were acting out a play for the viewer. The us

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