The Oath of Hannibal is a 1770 history painting by the Anglo-American artist Benjamin West.

[1] It depicts the moment when the nine-year-old Hannibal is taken to a temple by his father Hamilcar Barca to swear an oath of eternal enmity to the Roman Republic.

[2] West, later President of the Royal Academy, was known for history paintings featuring classical scenes as well as more modern works such as The Death of General Wolfe.

This and a companion piece The Departure of Regulus, also featuring a scene from the Punic Wars, were commissioned by George III to hang in Buckingham Palace.

Painted at a cost of 400 guineas, it was exhibited at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition or 1771 [3] Along with his depictions of James Wolfe, it was one of the hits of the exhibition and led to further commissions from the king.