Lijk van Jean-Paul Marat 1793

This engraving of the dead Jean-Paul Marat was made by François Marie Isidore Queverdo in France. The image and accompanying inscription construct Marat as a martyr, a tragic victim who died for the people. The glorification of Marat needs to be seen in light of the French Revolution, a period of intense political and social upheaval. As a radical journalist and politician, Marat championed the rights of the lower classes and played a key role in the Revolution. After his assassination he became an emblem of revolutionary ideals. The text makes reference to ‘L’ami du peuple’ which was the name of Marat’s newspaper. The image also elevates Marat by associating him with the spirits of Juvenal and Cato, figures from classical antiquity known for their moral virtue. By consulting sources, such as revolutionary pamphlets, newspapers, and political records, the historian can better understand the public role of art and imagery during this period.