Analysis of The Father’s Curse 

Worksheet

Jean-Baptiste Greuze made this drawing to illustrate a family drama that would have been familiar to many people who would have seen either the drawing or a print made from it. In this emotional scene, a son has chosen to leave his family, including his aged father, to join the army. The choice between duty to one’s family and duty to one’s country is one that has affected families since ancient times. In this scene Greuze has shown the impact of such a decision on one family.

1.  What does the son’s decision in this situation tell us about him?

2.  Based upon the way this image looks, did the artist think that the son made the right choice? Why? Why not?

3.  What are the Neoclassical elements of this drawing?

4.  How has the artist conveyed the difficulty of the son’s decision?

5.  Would the theme of this drawing be considered important today?  Why? Why not?