Role of the Tennis Court Oath in the French Revolution

The artist David is suggesting that the role of The Tennis Court Oath is significant as it is a new beginning for French democracy. Before the events of June 1789, all meetings such as the Assembly of Notables and the Meetings of the Estates-General were very formal and only called when needed. The Tennis Court Oath, as depicted by David, shows us that the deputies were now celebratory as they have formed their own assembly and began to make decisions based on different principles in the Old Regime.

The most obvious piece of evidence to support this claim is the joyous raising of arms from all the deputies. They see this as a victorious occasion and David has meant it to

It is interesting to comment on whether or not this painting represents the ideas of the revolutionary leaders. For example leaders such as Robespierre and Bailly were seen to be vital to the success of the National Assembly and this is evident in the picture as we see Bailly standing on the table and Robespierre as a proud figure at the front of the congregation. Yet as the National Assembly progressed we will see that these two radical leaders will be overrun as their ideas lose support and lead to their downfall.

Furthermore, it is important to emphasise that as well as other representations, all of the artists that have depicted the Tennis Court Oath (1) have made the effort to show the great number of people that were looking up to Bailly and cheering. Although one thing that David did do that is different to other representations is that he had special emphasis on the clergyman reconciling, which may suggest that he felt very strongly on this aspect of reform.

David wanted also to show this picture as a symbol of reconciliation in the clergy. By showing the three different cler

Some topics in this essay:
Court Oath, National Assembly, Assembly David, Jacques-Louis David, French Revolution, Martin D’auch, Tennis Court, court oath, tennis court oath, tennis court, Robespierre Bailly, national assembly, Meetings Estates-General, jacques-louis david, french revolution,