Jacques-Louis David

Jacques-Louis David

'The Death Of A Marat"

Oil on canvas

5' 5" x 4' 2 1/2"

1793

Biography:

Jacques-Louis David was born August 30, 1748. He was a very popular French painter and specialized in "Neoclassical" era. He supported the "French Revolution" and was very smart and kept up on politics. He wanted to revolutionize the art world eternal concepts of "Classicism." He didn't get along with many people and actually had an abnormal face after a sword fight incident. This led to the nickname, "David the Tumor." Because of his involvement with politics he was exiled for participating in and helping with the Death Of King Louis XVII. He spent his last days with his wife and was met with an untimely death after being hit by a moving carriage. He died December 29, 1825. 

Artist's Statement:

David made this statement about his work, "Citizens, the people were again calling for their friend; their desolate voice was heard: David take up your brushes... Avenge Marat... I heard the voice of the people., I obeyed." (Fred S. Kleiner, 2010, P. 601)

Background Information:

This piece of art holds so much history an has a deeper meaning than just the death of a man. This painting holds a lot of political anger and views. David's friend Marat was assassinated by "Charlotte Corday." The man was tricked and invited her into his home, not even expecting the events that would unravel next. This painting is said to be one of his most famous paintings. The woman, "Charlotte Corday" was sentenced to death by Guillotine. This painting stood as a political statement and a man who died in the fight of the Revolution. 

Connection:

I felt this was a good fit in my show because my theme is "Death and Despair." Death is such a natural thing and I felt this painting really embodied death. He took the tragedy of his friend and the pain in his heart and turned it into this tragically beautiful piece of art. This painting shows the pain that his followers felt after their "leader" was slain, and I think pain and despair are usually associated with the word, "Death."