Long before Coldplay splashed the words Viva la Vida across the stirring battle panorama, and even before my Humanities 202 class, I was familiar with Liberty Leading Her People as part of the 100 franc notes I would spend on groceries at the supermarche. I felt brave buying vegetables in that funny French way the French buy vegetables. It's just different from here. {Before the Euro, French money was super cool. The 50F note had an image of The Little Prince on it. Seriously. I love the French.}
It doesn't surprise me that Liberty is a woman. Here in the U.S. we call her Lady, and our statue does have a strong sense of decorum about her. But what I love about Delacroix's version is the action, the passion and the calm determined look on her face.
Somehow, in looking for an image representative of this blog post I stumbled up this painting and so there she is, leading the charge.
While posting has been fairly light this summer, I am taking a blogging break for the remainder of August. It has something to do with making preparations, leading my troops, and a little bit of viva la vida as it turns out.
"For some reason I can't explain I know St. Peter will call my name."* So that's that.
Be back soon.
*a line, of course, from Coldplay's Viva la Vida
The art historian in me loves this post. Thanks for bringing me back to college for a minute!
ReplyDeleteI've never been quite sure if he was saying St. Peter will or won't call his name.
ReplyDeleteI am just starting to return from my own bloggy break. Hope yours is going OK.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked this painting. (Even the nude part, 'cause I like allegory, even if it makes my students squirm). I once had a student bring me a 100 franc note just to prove the painting was there. Unfortunately, I had to give it back.
ReplyDeleteThanks for making me have to go listen to my Coldplay playlist. Good way to start off the morning.
Hey, have you posted pics of your new kitchen yet? I'll trade you renovation posts.