Focus on this artwork and discuss the Compositional technique.
This painting shows the neoclassical art style, and employs various techniques that were typical of it:The background is de-emphasized, while the figures in the foreground are emphasized.
Overlapping ranks of profile figures are a common motif in classical art, and that of ancient Near Eastern cultures.
The central point of the hand clasping the swords is placed in front of the vanishing point of the perspective scheme, which is emphasized by the straight lines of the edges of the wall blocks and floor slabs of the architectural setting leading to it (see schematic).
The use of dull colors is to show the importance of the story behind the painting over the painting itself.
The picture is organized, depicting the symbolism of the number three and of the moment itself.
The focus on clear, hard details and the lack of use of the more wispy brushstrokes preferred by Rococo art.
The brushstrokes are invisible, and the painter's technique is not displayed as a distraction from the subject
The men are all depicted with straight lines mirroring the columns in the background signifying their rigidity and strength while the women are all curved like the arches which are held up by the columns.
The use of straight lines to depict strength is also demonstrated in the swords, two of which are curved while one is straight, perhaps foreshadowing that only one brother would survive the encounter.
The frozen quality of the painting is also intended to emphasize rationality, unlike the Rococo style.
That it depicts a morally uplifting story, promoting civic duty over the personal, reflects the values of the Age of Enlightenment and neoclassical idealism.
vanishing point Rococo symbolism of the number three Age of Enlightenment perspective neoclassical