Captured in “Liberty Leading the People” is the power and might of a united people under the oppression of an unjust leader during The Paris Uprising of July 27, 28, and 29th of 1830. Artist Eugene Delacroix witnessed this historical event and realized it was destined to be the painting of romantic passion and excitement that happened that day. When the people realized that king Charles X had violated their constitutional rights, they decided to rise up and overthrow him for the good of their country. Delacroix tried extremely hard to put in the strong emotions that were felt throughout Paris and the community.
In this colorful painting of the battlefield, it’s very obvious what is going on and how the people feel. It appears very heroic as everyone charges in through the smoke and the fire led by a nameless woman who is represented as to symbolize France’s liberty. The character “Liberty” seems to be a very robust and a strong woman wearing a classically styled dress. Her dress has slipped down below her breast, revealing her body and armpit hair, which other artists considered vulgar. Delacroix intended this to show the realism and the true nature of the event and to show the strong outlines of her body as she waves the men on to freedom. She is not the only character who represents the culture; several men in the background are wearing clothes which are commonly worn by workers and students such as the youthful boy wearing a black beret (students attire) and brandishing two pistols running forward or the man to Liberty’s left with a rifle and sabre, his clothes represent the working force. Not just one person is captured in standing up, but all of France, who were united on this day to stop the oppression and end the rule of their tyrant.
Liberty Leading the People, A Patriotic Act, Malika Bouabdellah Dorbani,
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