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French Revolution and Painting

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Submitted By Mashchapeyama
Words 386
Pages 2
Mashell Chapeyama
Topic: Art History
Year 2012
Level: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

The French revolution and Painting

The French revolution had a big impact on art. It brought in new themes to art. The following are some of the themes that emerged:
• Democracy
• Reconciliation
• Patriotism
• Rising against unfair rulers
• Battle-scenes
Some paintings that emerged from the French revolution heightened the need for democracy. Before the revolution most nations were ruled by dictators, most of whom were monarchies. For example there were some paintings that showed the democratic legacy of Greece and Rome.
Patriotism was also portrayed. For example the picture entitled the Coronation of Josephine. This was a great piece of art. The painter wanted to illustrate that Napoleon was the legitimate ruler of France. The earlier paintings related to this showed the sketches of Napoleon crowning himself. On the other hand the picture of Gericault showed how people can attack the government. It has some revolutionary connotation. It seemed like inciting people to fight mistrusted rulers.
Some pictures showed what happened in wars. One painting shows Napoleon crossing the alps on his horse. This showed his victories in wars. Napoleon was a successful fighter. The other pictures show the people fleeing from battle fields. Some were refugees fleeing their homes.
One painting of David show what happens in revolutions. It was entitled, “Oath of Horiatis”. It also sought to show that all Frenchmen had to have a duty towards their country and their rulers. On another painting called, “Sabine women” had a message of reconciliation. After the war people had to reconcile their differences.
Like what has been said before there were calls for action to fight despotic rulers of that time. The pictures had revolutionary calls. They encouraged the people to rise against bad rulers. For example a painting of the,” Death of Marat,” it show the picture or a revolutionary called Marat who was murdered by Charlotte Cordellie.
The messages or themes that emerged from the French revolution were many. These ranged from revolution, patriotism and democracy. These pictures show the early awakening of the people of the world. Many revolutions followed from the French ones, due to such influence. Such revolutions include the Chinese and the Russian revolutions.

Reference http://chnm.gmu.edu http://artid.com
http://industrialrevolution.sea.ca

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