Throughout art history, the change of social and political values often revolute the art society. Romanticism is one such an example when social, political and historical influences all came together to create a revolutionary art period. During this period, many unique artworks were produced; “Liberty Leading the People” is one such an example. Throughout this remarkable period, Delacroix especially captures the essence of Romanticism in his art piece: “Liberty Leading the People”.
First, in “Liberty Leading the People”, Delacroix illustrated a clear Romanticism-based theme. Delacroix, while overthrowing Neoclassism and the “age of reason”, painted on a basis of passion, emotion, violence, exotic, etc. In “Liberty Leading the People”, the theme itself is based on a subject of passion, as it is a symbolic representation of the “July revolution” (that had brought Louis-Philippe to the French throne) with people fighting for their liberty. The piece can be also viewed as a representation of the 1789 French revolution, in which the aftermath of it sparked the beginning of Romanticism. “Liberty Leading the People” is a piece that narrates a heroic struggle, a common theme of early Romanticism artworks. It features a personification of “Liberty”, leads the citizens to insurrection, which can be interpreted as a representation of the revolution against previously established values such as social order, political and religious beliefs. “Liberty” is a combination of the real and the ideal as she appears half goddess and half woman. The red cap she wears was similar to the ancient Roman Phrygian cap which is a symbol of freed slaves. Some says that she is based partially on the Venus de Milo, but her fightful nature contradicts such opinion as she leads the revolution. Specialist says that Delacroix based this woman on the many stories and poems about the bravery of women emerged in the aftermath of the revolution.The piece is often viewed as a political poster; Delacroix painted himself in the artwork (the gentleman with the top hat) to indicate his full participation in such passionate event. This unique piece also reflects another value of the Romantics, individualism, as different class of people were represented and each has a distinguishable feature of his/her own. The painting captures an emotional theme, which allows the viewers to emphasize within the artwork.
the painting was purchased by the Ministry of the Interior and entered the Luxembourg Gallery; it was put into storage in 1832 for fear of it either inspiring further insurrection or becoming a permanent and divisive reminder of defeat for supporters of the Bourbons. Thus further proves the emotion and passion Delacroix had put into this painting.
Next, in “Liberty Leading the People”, Delacroix’s technique and style of painting is a vivid representation of the Romantics. Delacroix’s personal style is reflected in “Liberty Leading the People”. The painting is overall violent with huge amount of action captured within. Delacroix was able to achieve this effect by painting feverishly, attacking the canvas violently to reflect the theme of the artwork. As a result of this, the brushstrokes are often quick and short, a distinguishable characteristic of Romanticism artwork.
Composition. The overall shade is deep and rich, setting the mood of the revolution right.
Lastly, in “Liberty Leading the People”, Delacroix’s composition is formed in such ways to reflect the characteristics of most Romanticism paintings. The piece shows dramatic contrast in colour, subjects, lighting and mood. The dead at the bottom of the painting contrast with the spirit and passion of the people standing above them. The lighting on “Liberty” is also contrasted with the gloomy sky and her surroundings. The overall lighting has a diagonal composition, which is another characteristic of the Romantics, with the majority of the lighting on “Liberty” and the rest focused on the struggling man down on the left of her. As mentioned previously, “Liberty” herself becomes the combination of the real and the ideal; she resembles the Venus de Milo, but fightful passion overwhelms her in this painting. There is also an emotional and spiritual contrast, glorifying the revolution by using dramatic lighting on their leader, yet shocking the viewers of the violence and death of the same subject matter (the revolution).
In conclusion, in his “Liberty Leading the People”, Delacroix successfully captures the essence of the Romanticism period. The overall piece vividly stated the characteristics of the Romanticism movement.
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