Jacques-Louis David at the Louvre: the must-see exhibition on the neoclassical painter

To mark the 200th anniversary of Jacques-Louis David's death, the Musée du Louvre is staging an exceptional exhibition, Jacques-Louis David, from October 15, 2025 to January 26, 2026. A plunge into the world of the great neoclassical painter, between art, politics and modernity.

The Musée du Louvre celebrates the bicentenary of Jacques-Louis David 's death with an exceptional retrospective, presented from October 15, 2025 to January 26, 2026 in the Hall Napoléon. Dedicated to the great master of neoclassicism and a committed witness to the French Revolution, this exhibition brings together nearly one hundred major works, including several rarely exhibited to the public. A unique tribute to one of the most influential painters of his time.

A dive into the work of a committed painter

Jacques-Louis David lived through six political regimes, from theAncien Régime topost-Napoleonic exile. A history painter and portraitist, he captured the upheavals of his era in such emblematic works as Le Serment des Horaces, La Mort de Marat and Le Sacre de Napoléon. Theexhibition offers a chronological reading of his career, highlighting how his art was nourished by his political commitments and his admiration for Antiquity.

Among the masterpieces on display, visitors will be able to admire the imposing fragment of Le Serment du Jeu de Paume, on loan from the Château de Versailles, and the original version of La Mort de Marat, held by the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. These works, rarely seen in France, are displayed alongside the monumental canvases in the Louvre, providing a comprehensive overview of Jacques-Louis David's output.

An immersive and educational journey around Jacques-Louis David

Theexhibition is aimed at a wide audience, from art history enthusiasts to neophytes curious to discover the revolutionary context through an artistic prism. Multimedia devices and detailed labels accompany the works, facilitating understanding of the political and aesthetic issues at stake in each painting.

It's a fairly substantial exhibition too, with around a hundred works: so you'll have to do a lot of walking, or even trampling, especially if it's busy. So shoe up accordingly... But it's well worth the effort! The retrospective is also aimed at the general public, with younger visitors discovering many of the paintings in their history books. A must-see exhibition, for an unprecedented plunge into history through the works of Jacques-Louis David.

Guided tours are also available to enhance the experience. In short, an opportunity to discover the works of the Father of the French School, in the majestic setting of the Louvre Museum.

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