The Death of Marat

Question 1

What art Period is this artwork made in?

Answer 1

Neo - classicism

Question 2

Who is the artist?

Answer 2

Jacques - Louis David

Question 3

Talk about the Subject Matter

Answer 3

Marat was a politician and leader of the revolution writing a letter in the bath when assassinated by Charlotte Corday and found dead.

Question 4

Talk about colour

Answer 4

Muted colours with non standing out and drawing your attention. The dark background draws the figure into the foreground.

Question 5

Talk about line

Answer 5

Soft curved lines in the body and the horizontal and verticle lines of the bath and table are contradicting but it still makes an orderly painting.

Question 6

What classical art sculpture does this refrence back to?

Answer 6

References back to the sculpture of Mary holding Christ’s dead body, implying that Marat was ‘godly’ and a martyr.

Question 7

Talk about the form

Answer 7

Structures form the blocks for the bath and table and triangle shape formed by the body.

Question 8

Talk about the tone

Answer 8

Tranquility, peace and not a lot of blood creates a sense it was not a violent death.

Question 9

Talk about the texture

Answer 9

Smooth with no visible brushstrokes

Question 10

Talk about the Shape

Answer 10

Geometric shapes dominate the composition. The rectangular desk and letter contrast with the organic shape of Marat’s limp body, reinforcing his lifelessness.