The movement of neoclassicism in art is often mistakenly characterized by its secularism. French painters that became the leaders of the neoclassical movement such as Jacques Louis-David and Joseph Marie Vien dedicated their paintings to support the political and social changes of their time. Namely, the French Revolution which sought to reject in one fell swoop its historical precedents, traditions, and what individuals viewed to be institutional impediments in achieving full human potential. The Church was viewed to be among these institutions. In this way, neoclassical arts evolved to be viewed as being antithetical to the traditions that were developed in post-classical Greek and Roman civilizations. But, that is a false conclusion to draw. One of the great painters of 18th century,
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