Jacques-Louis David, a highly important figure in the movement of Neoclassicism and a keen supporter of the French Revolution, created this painting in response to the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat which occured on July 13th 1793.
Marat was an extreme journalist and politician during the French Revolution who communicated his opinions through public speaking and essay writing. His biased views and fierce defending of the Parisian sans-culottes led him to being remembered as one of the most notable French figures of his time.
As well as sharing a passion for the French Revolution, David and Marat also shared a close friendship; David was fascinated by Marat's eloquent way of conveying his views and, evidently, wanted to remember his friend this way.
He has portrayed him in a peaceful, almost angelic way what with the light falling onto him gently and shadows concealing his wound; on first glances he looks as though he could be sleeping. It has been said that upon close inspection it becomes apparent that David has depicted him still alive, taking his last breath. There is a sadness in his expression, reflected by the letter he holds in his left hand which reads "Il suffit que je sois bien malheureuse pour avoir droit a votre bieneveillance" translated as "I am just too unhappy to deserve your kindness".
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