Photo: Kelly Richman-Abdou / My Modern Met
When you think of theFrench Revolution, what comes to mind?
Who was Eugene Delacroix?
His oeuvre spanned contemporary events, mythological scenes, Orientalism, and portraiture.
Photo: Kelly Richman-Abdou / My Modern Met
What was the French Revolution?
What were these rioters rebelling against?
Ultimately, they were unhappy with France’s royal family, whose excessive wealth highlightedand contributed totheir own suffering.
Eugène Delacroix, “Self-Portrait with Green Vest,” 1837 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
In this case, the two sides supported either theHouse of Bourbonor theHouse of Orleans.
At this point, Charles X of the House Bourbon had been in power since 1824.
Symbolism
Since the French Revolution, Marianne has served as a national symbol of France.
” Storming of the Bastille and arrest of the Governor M. de Launay, July 14, 1789″ (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
This hat was strategically chosen by Revolutionaries for its symbolism, which was rooted in ancient times.
However, she is not the only figure worth examining.
Behind her, a crowd celebrates their victory.
Léon Cogniet, “Scene of July 1830,” 1830 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
It has restored my good spirits.
Provenance and Legacy
In 1831, the French government purchased the painting.
Since then,Liberty Leading the Peoplehas been a highlight of the museum’s French painting collection.
Eugène Delacroix, “Liberty Leading the People,” 1830 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Today, it hangs among other large-scale Romantic works.
“Freedom for France…. freedom for the French” poster, 1940 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
