Serment du Jeu de Paume

Serment du Jeu de Paume shows a moment of shared courage during a turning point in French history. The figures inside the room raise their hands together, united by a promise to stand firm until a new constitution is created. The scene feels full of urgency, but also full of hope. People from different walks of life crowd the space, each one adding their voice to something larger than themselves.

The painting is about the power of collective determination. Even though the room looks crowded and tense, there is a strong sense of purpose moving through the group. Gericault captures the feeling that change begins when ordinary people refuse to step back. The raised hands become a symbol of belief in a future that has not been built yet, but already feels possible.