Maximilien Robespierre

He was the soul of the Revolution to some, a bloodthirsty monster to others. Trained as a lawyer, Maximilien Robespierre was elected to the National Assembly and then the National Convention, where he rose to enormous power as head of the Committee of Public Safety.

A prolific writer and speechmaker, Robespierre fought for equality and social reforms and railed against corruption and privilege. His powers of persuasion and aura of incorruptibility attracted many adherents, including David. As a driving force behind the Reign of Terror (1793–1794), the most violent phase of the French Revolution, Robespierre was responsible for the execution of many political enemies. In July 1794 he fell victim to a coup in the Convention and was himself sent to the guillotine.