A central figure in the neo-classical response to the Rococo style in France, David’s artistic career took shape largely within the political tumult of late 18th and early 19th century France. Raised by his architect uncles, David won the coveted Prix de Rome at age 26 in 1774 (on his fifth try), and spent the following five years in Italy before returning to Paris as a member of the Royal Academy. Celebrated for his allegorical paintings on ancient historical themes, David turned his talents to producing festivals for the revolutionary Jacobins during the 1790s. In 1794, he narrowly escaped being executed with Robespierre and spent time in jail before returning to the quiet of his studio. His star rose again under Napoleon, for whom he served as court painter. With the Emperor’s fall, David exiled himself to Brussells, where he died in 1825.