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Question In what ways and to what extent is an understanding of historical context important in approaching the works of (a) David and (b) Rousseau? When we are looking at the works of David and Rousseau an understanding of historical context in which the works were produced will assist us to appreciate why and how these works were created. In order to understand the historical context we need to make a historical inquiry into the circumstances in which their work was produced and the time in history, it refers to. A useful starting point would be to look at the subject’s own personal history, and psychology. What were their beliefs and moral values? What were the events and preoccupations, which shaped their career? We could consider any connections, which can be made to the historical circumstances in which their work was produced. Is there a connection to a particular social class or section of society? We could take into account the presiding traditions in thought and art at the time. Who influenced David and Rousseau? What in particular were they trying to express or convey through their work, and if any specific significance can be attached to any particular political events? Without knowledge