Lesson 3 - Schama - David

Another artist whose paintings were inspired by revolution was Jacques-Louis David, a Parisian born in the 18th century. Another part of the Power of Art series, Simon Schama takes us through another journey of an artist who lead the neoclassical style of painting in its heavy impact on the public in the 18th century.

I liked this video because I liked how the lighting and dramatics affected how Schama described the Frecnh Revolution. The theatrics of it kept me engaged. I also liked how the soldiers were portrayed with their chanting and march because it made it seem as if the Revolution came to life.

The interesting person in this video was Jacques-Louis David and his love for the Revolution that helped him strive in his work. He used painting as his way of typing his passion for the Revolution together. However, he didn't necessarily paint so that his work could be displayed in a gallery, but rather to communicate and create propaganda of the 18th century ideals of civilization.

One thing I found very interesting was David's painting "Death of Marat". This was the painting that denied him burial in France. It was described as his most unforgettable masterpiece and crime. Schama states about the painting, "You can't doubt that it's a masterpiece, but that's to separate it from the apalling moment of its creation, the French Revolution. This is Jean Paul Marat, the most paranoid of the Revolution's fanatics, exhaling his very last breath. He's been assassinated in his bath. But for David, Marat isn't a monster, he's a saint. This is martyrdom, David's manifesto of revolutionary virtue." I find this interesting because I think if anyone truly wanted to understand exactly the kind of passion David had for the French Revolution, all they would have to do is look at the "Death of Marat" (shown below)