Marat was a radical journalist and prolific writer of abolitionist pamphlets. As is visible in this piece by David titles Death of Marat, he was murdered in his bath by a member of the opposition party. This painting and David's choice to show Marat faithful to the cause to his dying moment gave an otherwise sad and tragic event lasting purpose. The murder of Marat gave him status of a martyr and as such lended those who supported his cause the sympathy of the people. Revolution intensified and the Jacobins eventually gained control. They placed the artist of this painting David in the seat of power as President, a term which lasted a mere two weeks in the tumultuous atmosphere of the 1790's. David was later imprisoned before rising again with the coming of Napoleon.
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