War and archeological discovery played an important role in the art of the Rococo period. The impact of war on art can best be shown in Benjamin West’s “The Death of general Wolfe”. The impact of archeological discovery can best be seen in Jacques-Louis David’s “Oath of the Horatti”.
“The Death of General Wolfe” best exemplifies the emphasis placed on the theme of war in the Rococo period. Benjamin West went to England to be trained in art. He soon became court painter to King Edward the third during the American Revolution. In his painting West portrays a young military leader lying in the field. The subject matter for this painting occurred when General Wolfe was shot at the British defeat of the French in Quebec in 1759. West made Wolfe look as if he were a dying saint.
The profound impact of archeological discovery on society is best depicted in Jacques-Louis David’s “Oath of the Horatii”. This work was completed after the discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which had previously been covered in volcanic ash. David himself said, “I want to work in a pure Greek style.” Basically, he became enamored with the classical. In this work a Roman story shown. The background uses classical structures. The story is from the pre-republican period of Roman history to be exact. This was the time brought to the public’s eye based on the discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Classical courage and patriotism are shown. As well as a classical stage filled with ridged imposing classical figures.
These two works are the best expamples of how war and recent events influence painting. Both of these works broke with the ideas of the Rococo period. They did this to show other important areas of society.

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