One of the central figures of NeoClassicism.
Painting became an important means of communication for David since his face was slashed during a sword fight and his speech became impeded by a benign tumor that developed from the wound, leading him to stammer. He was interested in painting in a new classical style that departed from the frivolity of the Rococo period and reflected the moral and austere climate before the French Revolution.

David became closely aligned with the republican government and his work was increasingly used as propaganda with the Death of Marat proving his most controversial work.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/powerofart/david.shtml

This is the fourth episode of the Power of Art series.
The complete series is organized here:

http://www.videosift.com/playlists/mauz15/Fine-Arts