"It is very rare to find artists who have played real political roles. This is, however, true of David (1748-1825), who lived through the most eventful period in all French history, from the Ancien Re?gime to the restoration. He was a deputy to the Convention, voted for the death of the King, became a member of the Comite? de Su??rete? Ge?ne?rale and for a time inspired the cultural policy of the country." -- Book jacket.