23, Apr,2024
Jean-Baptiste Lallemand – The Storming Of The Bastille (1789) The painting, while depicting the fall of the Bastille, is an artist's attempt at retrospect, highlighting the French nation's identity rather than a factual representation.
Jean-Jacques-François le Barbier – Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) Jean-Jacques-François le Barbier, a court painter under Louis XVI, pro-revolutionary, commissioned the 'Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen', with an angel blessing it.
Jacques-Louis David – The Lictors Bring to Brutus the Bodies of His Sons (1789) The picture accurately portrays the French Revolution, with Brutus's son plotting a coup to overthrow him, and his unexpressive demeanor setting an example for the nation.
Jacques-Louis David – The Tennis Court Oath (1790-1792) The painting depicts a pivotal moment that united Frenchmen in the cause of liberty and equality, evoking imagery of the repercussions of the French Revolution.
Jacques-Louis David – The Death Of Marat (1793) The painting portrays Jacobin leader Jean-Paul Marat as a Christian martyr, referencing his assassination by his political adversary, Charlotte Corday.
Pierre-Antoine Demachy – Une exécution capitale, la place de la Révolution (1793) The painting depicts a man being executed. His crime? Opposing the revolution. The painting is set at La Place de la Concorde; the same place where Louis XVI was executed a month later, followed by Marie-Antoinette.
Jean-François Sablet – Portrait of a Revolutionary (1794) During the revolution, young men joined, but aged men joined as well. The unknown man represents collective identity, with a republican scarf and patriotism in blue, white, and red.
William Hamilton – Marie-Antoinette Being Taken To Her Execution (1794) Marie-Antoinette, a powerful queen, faced a major downfall despite the rage of the crowd and contempt from her jailers. Despite being an English painter, Hamilton did not glorify or downplay the crowd's sentiment.
Jacques-Louis David – Napoleon Bonaparte crossing the Alps at Grand Saint Bernard (1802) Napoleon, after overthrowing the 'Ancien Régime', aimed to spread 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity' globally. Despite his violent military campaign against Austrians, Bonaparte is depicted as a benevolent yet stern monarch.
Jacques-Louis David – The Coronation of Napoleon (1807) The painting depicts Napoleon preparing to crown his wife, Josephine, with Pope Pius VII's blessing, despite his resentment towards the idea of Napoleon taking the nation's reign.
Eugène Delacroix – Liberty Leading The People (1830) The painting, created after 30 years of war, depicts the birth of a nation based on the core ideas of the French Revolution, symbolizing Lady Liberty.