In this episode, our group explores Jacques Louis David’s The Death of Marat and the complex relationship between beauty, violence, and political power. We discuss how Marat’s assassination during the French Revolution was transformed into a serene and almost sacred image, raising questions about whether the painting is a tribute or a form of propaganda. By examining the roles of Marat, Charlotte Corday, and David himself, we uncover how art can reshape public memory and influence political narratives. Our conversation also connects to ideas of beauty and ugliness from the course readings, especially how aesthetics can soften or distort historical truth. Join us as we analyze how a single painting can turn a moment of brutality into a symbol of revolutionary martyrdom.