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As we also see in his other paintings, David often analyzes the French Revolution in his pieces of art. For example, in one of his most famous works, “The Oath of the Horatii”, he precisely paints three brothers declaring a fight between the family to fight to their death in order to determine the champion of a rival city. Thus, referring to themes including dedication and sacrifice.
The same themes are present in David’s portrayal of Marat; he shows a Marat that sacrificed his own life for the good of the people. The letter in his hand relates to Corday pleading for assistance, yet this is a historical inaccuracy on David’s part. This brings up the issue of trying to recreate the past. In fact, this letter was never actually given to Marat, but as a second option to Corday if perhaps her attempt to get into his bathroom failed. He furthers this particular cause through the manipulation of the facts which was commonly seen by many artists during this time.
In addition to the relation between his own pieces of work, David makes evident the relation between his work and Michelangelo's masterpiece Pieta, for he was told to, "construct images of a secular saint." The reason for mimicking essential parts of Pieta was clearly for the purpose of portraying Marat in the same fashion that Christ was shown. Each with the person lying motionless, hand outstretched, and body slumped, the bodies almost look identical. The main significance is that David wants the people to think that Marat sacrificed himself for the good of the people just like Christ is said to have done.
The same themes are present in David’s portrayal of Marat; he shows a Marat that sacrificed his own life for the good of the people. The letter in his hand relates to Corday pleading for assistance, yet this is a historical inaccuracy on David’s part. This brings up the issue of trying to recreate the past. In fact, this letter was never actually given to Marat, but as a second option to Corday if perhaps her attempt to get into his bathroom failed. He furthers this particular cause through the manipulation of the facts which was commonly seen by many artists during this time.
In addition to the relation between his own pieces of work, David makes evident the relation between his work and Michelangelo's masterpiece Pieta, for he was told to, "construct images of a secular saint." The reason for mimicking essential parts of Pieta was clearly for the purpose of portraying Marat in the same fashion that Christ was shown. Each with the person lying motionless, hand outstretched, and body slumped, the bodies almost look identical. The main significance is that David wants the people to think that Marat sacrificed himself for the good of the people just like Christ is said to have done.