Marat was personal friend
of David's - he was leader
of revolution and
responsible for the deaths
of many innocent people
due to casual signing of
death warrant
1793: Charlotte Corday
assassinates Marat. Gains entry
to his house by presenting a fake
list of traitors. Assassination
proved to be suicidal and futile
David asked to paint
tribute to the leader -
day before had seen
Marat in his bath and
painted him as such
CONTENT
Marat lies sprawled in a bathtub, his
head lolling back in death. His right arm
falls over edge of bath (holding pen,
showing his work) and his left grips a
(false) letter from Charlotte Corday.
(Letter asks for help - appears as if he
has been tricked into letting her into his
house through his goodwill)
He is propped up
against folds of white
cloth - reminiscent of
shrouds of Jesus, as is
small and delicate stab
wound in his side
Next to bath is simple wooden box
on which he works - shows both his
commitment to revolution and
humble nature
LIGHT
Seems to emanate from
right hand of painting
(glowing background)
Round glow seems as if spotlight: falls
on letter from Corday and Marat himself,
creating 3D effect
Dark background seems ominous and thick in
comparison: suggests heavenly presence
David uses chiaroscuro to create
drama. Alludes to Caravaggio's work
which mainly focused on religious
subjects
PERSPECTIVE/SPACE/
COMPOSITION
Shallow space - figure close to
picture plane, viewer feels like
witness to his murder
TECHNIQUES AND STYLE
Oil paint, highly realistic
depiction of human form
Would have used glazing
technique, layering thin layers of
oil paint to create 3D effect
INTERPRETATION
Through religious allusions
and motifs David gives Marat
a sense of superior, even
religious statue - depicts a
saviour who is matyred for
revolution
Compares Marat to Christ, sacrificing his life
for the good of the people. In doing so
presents revolution as 'new religion'
Shows him as "hero
of the revolution",
working until his very
death and murdered
through his attempts to
help the people
COLOUR
Colours are dark
and earthy, made
up of browns and
purples
Sets sombre mood
Painting seems
atmospheric and
gloomy, giving a sense
of wrongdoing and injury
White of cloth seems to glow in contrast
Draws eye towards material
Seems to symbolise
purity and morality, a
(false) reflection of Marat's
character and a link to the
purity of Jesus