Week Six: Classic Collage

     Hello, everyone. This week, I decided to take my historical knowledge out of the cupboard, dust it off a bit, and show you all some relevant art during a very tumultuous time at the end of the 18th century. An age of revolutions, if you will. The most famous of which being both the French Revolution (1789-1799) and the American Revolution (1775-1783). Of course, art was still being made during these times, and the artists of the time were undoubtedly influenced by the events around them. So without further ado, let us start with...

The Death of Marat

by Jacques-Louis David

    Also known as La Mort de Marat, and painted in 1793 by French artist Jacques-Louis David, this dramatic scene depicts the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat. Marat was a leader of the Montagnards, a faction that was active during the French Revolution. He was assassinated by Charlotte Corday, a political enemy of his, though not a loyalist to the crown. Marat was said to have had a skin condition that made him terribly itchy, and baths were the only thing that soothed him. He made himself a desk that fit over his tub so he could work and bathe. On July 13th, 1793, Charlotte Corday stabbed him to death as he was editing his newspaper. She did not try to run and was executed by guillotine for her crimes.

    Jacques-Louis David was a fellow Montagnard, aligned both with Marat and Robespierre, as well as deep in the French Revolution. And so, he sought to paint the death of Marat in the style of a Christian martyr, associating the French Republic with the imagery of martyrdom rather than the monarchy or the church. This painting became a sort of propaganda to the Republic, and fueled their cause.

I personally enjoy the composition of the peace, as well as the clear inspiration from Christian art. Specifically, Michelangelo's Pietà is often said to be similar in composition, and that is a sculpture I enjoy very much. I also like how his expression is peaceful in death. It makes me think that David was trying to convey that Marat knew his cause would be furthered with his death, thus giving him the last laugh.

    But let's move on to another revolution, shall we? And what other one would there be than the one every American child has beaten into their brain every single year of their curriculum?

The Death of Major Peirson

by John Singleton Copley

    Painted in 1783 by colonial-born John Singleton Copley, this painting depicts another death, this time of Major Francis Peirson at the Battle of Jersey in 1781. Despite this battle being led by the French on the island of Jersey, it is considered part of the American Revolution. The French attacked Jeresy with the aim of keeping British ships from endangering American ones. Although the French captured the Lieutenant Governor, the British Major Pierson refused to surrender. In the ensuing battle, he was killed and the French won.

    The painting depicts the British's final stand around the statue of King George II. Even though Peirson was killed much earlier than this, the painting depicts him in a more heroic role here. To the left is Peirson's servant Pompey shooting at the sniper that shot him. Peirson became a national hero to the British, and this painting helped boost that image. Here's a fun fact: Copley based the fleeing women and children to the right on his own wife, children, and nurse maid.

    This painting helps depict the chaotic nature of these battles, and it also hearkens back to the dramatic scenes of tragedy you see in a lot of Renaissance work. I also think it's a good example of how art was used to push a certain image or version of a story. War paintings were often embellished to make the intended audience proud of their side, even if they lost, in an early form of propaganda. In any case, I do like the scene depicted, it has a very busy feel that works well with the subject matter.

    In the end, however, the American Revolution was a victory for the United States. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

Treaty of Paris

by Benjamin West

    Painted in- wait... where's the other half? Is this finished? What happened here? Well, let me explain. This was a painting by colonial-born Benjamin West made in 1783 that was never finished. It was supposed to depict the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the American Revolutionary War. I'm sure some of you recognize Benjamin Franklin, but there is also future president John Adams, as well as John Jay, Henry Laurens, and William Temple Franklin. But I'm sure you're wondering why this painting is unfinished. Well, in a very... fitting reflection of the relationship between the U.S. and Britain at the time, the British delgation refused to pose. I mean, I don't exactly blame them, I wouldn't want to stand there for hours to be painted depicting how I lost a war.

    Honestly, though, the fact that it's unfinished like this kind of reflects the moment of history better than if it had been finished. Rather than another typical historical painting, it's a physical reminder of the feelings of resentment and unease after the Revolutionary War ended. I also personally find it amusing. The painting itself, or what's finished at least, is quite nice. I like how you can see West's painting process with some of the less finished people.

    But alas, that is all I have for you today. I shall leave you with several links, as always. Have a nice week.

References:

“American Revolution: Causes and Timeline.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/american-revolution. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.

“The Death of Major Peirson, 6 January 1781.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_of_Major_Peirson,_6_January_1781.

“The Death of Marat.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 July 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_of_Marat#.

“French Revolution: Timeline, Causes & Dates.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/european-history/french-revolution. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.

“Treaty of Paris (Painting).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Paris_(painting).