Remnants from Revolution: Nationalism and the strength of symbolism

One of the most significant legacies of the French Revolution is the concept of nationalism. It is a steady thread that suffuses many modern western arguments for and against any action involving other countries. Nationalism, is rarely without a rallying point and a symbol that can evoke fervor in believers. This symbolism ranges from the French revolutionary paintings:

To Russian Poems like  Pushkin's "The Bronze Horseman". Some still inspire noble, self sacrifice and promote cultural ideals as virtues: 

Others live as shameful momentos of nationalism unleashed:

Others have yet to find their place in history. The repercussions of the actions done in their name have not yet been resolved: 

Nationalism, more than any other sentiment emerged from the French revolution strong and virulent. It reaches forwards and spans time, it fills the hearts of new generations loading them like pistols ready to fire on any threat to their nation, often without forethought and mindful caution. It is a boon when called patriotism and a threat when called fanaticism. Either way Art and artists have had a hand in the propagation of change, and enlightenment of issues within a society. Their emotionally charged creations can sweep us up into a vision of the world through their eyes, be it a decadent and confectionery fantasy of the Rococo variety or an emboldened and rebellious fight for freedom. Artwork effects our societies, and societies give rise to the raw emotional material that is an artists mental medium. The two are symbiotic, then now and forever.

Napoleon and David: Fast Friends

As the French Revolution ended and Napoleon came to power, David the artist and revolutionary was a quill in the cap of Napoleon. David having successfully headed a call to revolution and driven much of the abolitionist movement was an ideal choice for Napoleon when he chose to commission David to document in artwork his triumphs and exploits. The piece above was painted by David four years before Napoleon became emperor. It is quite a piece, framing Napoleon as a strong, glorious leader of men.

The Martyrdom of Marat

Marat was a radical journalist and prolific writer of abolitionist pamphlets. As is visible in this piece by David titles Death of Marat, he was murdered in his bath by a member of the opposition party. This painting and David's choice to show Marat faithful to the cause to his dying moment gave an otherwise sad and tragic event lasting purpose. The murder of Marat gave him status of a martyr and as such lended those who supported his cause the sympathy of the people. Revolution intensified and  the Jacobins eventually gained control. They placed the artist of this painting David in the seat of power as President, a term which lasted a mere two weeks in the tumultuous atmosphere of the 1790's. David was later imprisoned before rising again with the coming of Napoleon.

Waves of Revolution- Neoclassicism and A Call to Arms

Along with the revolution came a shift in taste, away from the light, frivolous, romantic paintings of aristocrats gamboling about in lush environs, towards serious, studious 'history paintings'. As French society dove headlong into the turmoil and violent uncertainty of shifting power between multiple political parties and powers, an appreciation for the rigid, idealized Roman republican virtues arose. Neoclassicism was born. Artists depicted in vivid and precise detail scenes of duty, honor, and sacrifice for the good of country.

The Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David

The Oath of the Horatii shown above was one such call to noble virtue. It was commissioned by Louis XVI as an effort to use art to improve public morals (Art History, Stokstad). In the painting the three sons of Horace reach for the swords offered by their father, accepting the duty and challenge to avert war with Alba by fighting the three Curatii sons of Alba, Rome's opponent. The women are also displaying ideal virtuous behavior, quieting the children and meekly accepting the fates of their husband as the head off to fight courageously. History paintings such as this were employed to move the hearts of people who gazed upon them, to make the feel they have a higher calling and to inspire them to strive for the virtues idolized before them. In times of violence and political and economic uncertainty, such calls to stoicism did not fall on deaf ears.

Pastels, Paris and the Rise of the Bourgeoisie

In the early 1700's France the roots, of what would later flourish into a revolution, began to grow. Salon culture and the decadent, extravagant lifestyles of the aristocracy and newly wealthy merchants, or bourgeoisie, began to influence artwork. Rocco came into full swing. The abundance, frivolity and romantic whimsy of upper class society became reflected in the artwork. The pieces featured women dressed. and undressed in extremely fine fabrics in tones of pastel and luxe reflective materials which catch and soften the light. This use of pastels and the settings of abundant Eden like greenery and flourishing flowers and plant life draws the viewer into the story being told by the artists. Rococo artists painted scenes of young love, flirtatiousness, youthful impropriety and lightness of heart for the characters in their scenes. This reflected the world that the socially elite had created for themselves. A life concerned primarily with pursuits of the fine things in life, appreciation of the arts, freedom from the restrictions of the church, and flirtatious sexual dalliance were earmarks of French court life during this period and spread socially to other groups who aspired to emulate them, notably the bourgeoisie. This growth of the middle class and their indulgence in frippery exacerbated feelings of social unrest at the disparity of the quality of life between those on the bottom rung of society, those who had made it to the middle but still resented the privileges of birth that the aristocracy had that they could not attain. The aristocracy in turn resent the nouveau riche and their attempts to "join the club" through purchasing titles with their wealth. Unrest grew and revolution began...

Why is art important to understanding history?

Art has long been recognized as one of the finest contribution of mankind to future generations. The artist is intrinsically connected and representative of the time and place he lives in. Art has been the genesis of controversy, the spark of rebellion, and the quiet rumble of change. Often the shift in a cultural era is visible on canvas as it reveals the heart of a people or nation just as much as it depicts the subject being painted. What better window on history than the gilded and framed creations of the past and present and the interaction of those creations with the society that gave them life.