Written Assignment Unit 5
University of the People
AHIST 1401: Art History
Stephen Ababio (Instructor)
July 16, 2023
The French Revolution's Impact on Painting and Sculpture: Neoclassicism and
Romanticism
Introduction:
A seismic event, the French Revolution (1789–1799) affected many facets of French society,
including the arts, and brought about significant changes. During this turbulent time, the
important aesthetic trends of Romanticism and Neoclassicism also developed. The Death of
Marat by Jacques-Louis David (Neoclassicism) and Liberty Leading the People by Eugène
Delacroix (Liberty Leading the People) will be examined as two examples of the impact of the
French Revolution on painting and sculpture in this essay (Romanticism).
Neoclassicism and the French Revolution (Gersh-Nesic, n.d.):
Neoclassicism, which had its roots in the classical art of ancient Greece and Rome, placed an
emphasis on rationality, order, and virtue. Neoclassical art was used to illustrate historical
events and heroic characters during the French Revolution, bolstering the ideals of the time. The
1793 work "The Death of Marat" by Jacques-Louis David is a famous example of this link
(Gersh-Nesic, n.d.).
The assassination of Jean-Paul Marat, a well-known revolutionary leader and journalist, is shown
in "The Death of Marat." Marat is portrayed by David as a martyr for the values of liberty,
selflessness, and seeking the truth. With its focus on simplicity, symmetry, and the idealized
human form, the composition exemplifies the Neoclassical style. A sense of valor and tragic
nobility is evoked by Marat's lifeless body, which is covered in a sheet and mimics the reclining
figures of ancient Roman funerary art. In addition to honoring Marat, the painting's theme and
aesthetic pay homage to all the martyred revolutionaries who gave their lives in support of its
goals (Gersh-Nesic, n.d.).
Romanticism and the French Revolution (Zygmont, n.d.):
As the French Revolution went on, a change in creative expression resulted from growing
disenchantment with its radical phase. The emergence of Romanticism, which values emotion,
individualism, and the sublime, was a response to Neoclassicism's logic. Dramatic depictions of
conflict, freedom, and nationalism became more prevalent throughout this time. Eugène
Delacroix's 1830 sculpture "Liberty Leading the People" is one outstanding example of a work
that perfectly captures the Romantic mood (Zygmont, n.d.).
The July Revolution of 1830, when the French people ousted the Bourbon dynasty, is best
summarized in the song "Liberty Leading the People." The sculpture represents Liberty as a
strong female figure waving the French national while directing and motivating the populace.
With dynamic stances, twirling drapery, and dramatic lighting contrast, Delacroix expertly
captures the powerful emotions of the moment. In Romantic art, allegory and symbolism became
commonplace, and in this sculpture, Liberty, the French people's hopes for independence and
national identity are embodied (Zygmont, n.d.).
Conclusion:
Neoclassicism and Romanticism were the products of the French Revolution's tremendous
influence on the arts. Neoclassical painting, which portrayed revolutionary leaders as valiant
martyrs, is best typified by Jacques-Louis David's "The Death of Marat." The July Revolution's
spirit of struggle and nationalistic zeal, however, was captured in Eugène Delacroix's "Liberty
Leading the People," which embraced Romantic ideals.
The rise of Neoclassicism and Romanticism is evidence of the enormous influence the French
Revolution had on the arts. The "Death of Marat" by Jacques-Louis David, which portrayed
revolutionary leaders as valiant martyrs, is a prime example of the Neoclassical movement.
While embracing Romantic ideals, Eugène Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People" captured
the spirit of struggle and nationalistic passion during the July Revolution.
References:
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