https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/01/22/arts/jacques-louis-david-painter-french-revolution.html?unlocked_article_code=1.JlA.wRyv.zqDZ_Hrihvp_

I’ve no idea how long this online exhibit will last for, but the GOOD NEWS is that you can save it off to your PC!

Note: normally you’d need a login to view this, but an anonymous patron of the arts has kindly sponsored this article for all to read (no logins required)

Now, as someone who’s always been fascinated by the French Revolution, David is sort of… in that 'Marat" territory, perhaps? I.e., starting as a huge advocate of democracy and the rights of the little person, then later creeping in to an unapologetic advocate of The Terror.

So, all the way from hero to fucking asshole, so to speak. (sorry for my language)

But-- also kind of why I respect Danton, Desmoulins and others, for realising that the whole thing had gone too far, digging in their heels upon such, and ultimately paying the ultimate price for helping bring about Robespierre & cronies’ future downfall.

    • JohnnyEnzyme@piefed.socialOPEnglish
      2·
      2 months ago

      Yeah, the writer Jason Farago did a great job on that. I like to think that he found extra insight in to David by way of coming from a ‘disenfranchised fanboy’ perspective. I mean, he probably found some extra little nuggets and insights that people coming at painter David from a general POV wouldn’t have necessarily had.

      Btw, Flickr used to allow something similar, i.e. combining art with little pop-up notes. My page there still has most of the notes intact, altho some are mysteriously removed, now. I can message you my page’s link, if you’re interested.