[Going strong]

From times to times I see paintings that illustrate strong and positive values, (usually famous) paintings describing military valor, friendship, patriotism, traditional family values, motherly love even; inspirational works of art, one might call them.

So, if you want to post on this thread about such interesting and uplifting paintings, please do - adding, if possible, a few words to explain their relevance and historical background.

I'll start below with a powerful and complex painting that made a massive impression when it was shown to the general public, in 1784. It's The Oath of the Horatii (Le Serment des Horaces)



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_the_Horatii

This painting became almost instantly iconic in French society, and had a positive, politic impact just before the Revolution, being in favor of personal sacrifice to the common good.

Also, this painting has the added virtue of describing the women as beautiful, dignified and submitted to the imperious will of their fathers and husbands, sole protectors of the State.
(Note by the way that the little son in the painting, has more audacity than the women around him, as he refuses to have his eyes covered)