Explorations of the major themes of the course "The West and the Modern World". Primary analyses of major documents that form the basis of the Western World.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
MUSEUM PAPERS
Post your Museum Paper here. Post by Friday November 18, 2005.
The French revolution was a time of restructuring of the French government which was a monarchy. This was the mark of the end of the ancien regime. The term “ancient regime” means “old rule” or “old order” in French. Simply, this meant the end of a monarchy and the introduction of democracy and republicanism. There are many factors that brought upon the French revolution. Before reviewing the paintings that I chose to explain in the context of the French revolution, I’d like to go over some of the details that led up to it.
During this time of Enlightenment, new ideas were coming into play and new ways of thinking were coming about. People were starting to become resentful and upset towards the government. I think that a lot of the time people will not act upon something until someone else moves on it first. This was a time when people were starting to think more for themselves and the ideas that you can have your own opinion was nurtured. Most people need guidance. Literature and art expression planted the idea of a better life in them. The Enlightenment was known as the age of reason. I think that the word “reason” is a very strong word.
Another fact that led up to the revolution was the quality of life. At the time, people were having a hard time just putting bread on the table, the country was in enormous debt, and they were being taxed heavily. It seemed that everyone had something to be upset about. Merchants, Professionals, and the wealthy, resented the fact that they had been excluded from political affairs.
Literature by Philosophes who were in strong support of social and political reform was being read more and more. Their messages were being more widely read. At this time, more people were able to read, not just the wealthy or people of high class. There was also the influence from the American revolution. It’s easier to think of change when some people have already gone through the same type of struggle and overcome it.
Now, I’ll review the three paintings I chose at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The first is a painting by Jacques-Louis David entitled “The Death of Socrates.
I know that Socrates wasn't around during this period, but I believe it has more to do with the frame of mind of the time. This painting was created in 1787. I think that it conveys a strong message about standing up for what you believe in. The painting tells the story of how Socrates chose to die by his own hand rather than by others. In this painting he is portrayed as speaking about the immortality of the soul while reaching for a cup of Hemlock. The context in relation to the Frech revolution is that people must stand up for themselves to create a better life. It should be noted that Socrates had opportunities to escape but chose not to. That says a lot for his character and virtue.
During the French revolution women became more and more intellectual and played a bigger part in society. Although they were not considered equal to men, they made big advances for themselves. The second painting I chose to write about is a painting by Adelaide Labille-Guiard in 1785.
The painting is a self-portrait with two pupils of hers. In 1783 she was admitted to the French Royal Academy. There was a limit of 4 women who were to be eligible for membership. I think that this painting shows that women were starting to be a more intrical part in society. At this time, while men met at cafes, women would meet at salons to speak about political subject just as the men would. The salons were mainly just for wealthy women.
The third painting I chose was another by Jacques-Louis David. This painting was one of Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier and His Wife. This painting to me actually looks like there is an emphasis on his wife, Marie-Anne-Pierrette Paulze rather than Lavoisier himself. It is said that Marie-Anne was actually a pupil of Jacques-Louis David. Supposedly, a portrait of her drawings is on the armchair to the left of the painting. Lavoisier’s significance in history was that he was a scientist and chemist. He was also a tax collector who happened to be a liberal. He was falsely accused of treason and beheaded at the age of 50.
One thing I noticed in most of the painting of this period is that the people and landscape, mostly homes in these instances, are very lavish and classy. People dressed very elegantly and their homes were very nice looking. The main point of this all is that people want to have choices about their own lives. Having democracy is a step towards that goal. People will always chose to have a choice.
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The French revolution was a time of restructuring of the French government which was a monarchy. This was the mark of the end of the ancien regime. The term “ancient regime” means “old rule” or “old order” in French. Simply, this meant the end of a monarchy and the introduction of democracy and republicanism. There are many factors that brought upon the French revolution. Before reviewing the paintings that I chose to explain in the context of the French revolution, I’d like to go over some of the details that led up to it.
During this time of Enlightenment, new ideas were coming into play and new ways of thinking were coming about. People were starting to become resentful and upset towards the government. I think that a lot of the time people will not act upon something until someone else moves on it first. This was a time when people were starting to think more for themselves and the ideas that you can have your own opinion was nurtured. Most people need guidance. Literature and art expression planted the idea of a better life in them. The Enlightenment was known as the age of reason. I think that the word “reason” is a very strong word.
Another fact that led up to the revolution was the quality of life. At the time, people were having a hard time just putting bread on the table, the country was in enormous debt, and they were being taxed heavily. It seemed that everyone had something to be upset about. Merchants, Professionals, and the wealthy, resented the fact that they had been excluded from political affairs.
Literature by Philosophes who were in strong support of social and political reform was being read more and more. Their messages were being more widely read. At this time, more people were able to read, not just the wealthy or people of high class. There was also the influence from the American revolution. It’s easier to think of change when some people have already gone through the same type of struggle and overcome it.
Now, I’ll review the three paintings I chose at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The first is a painting by Jacques-Louis David entitled “The Death of Socrates.
I know that Socrates wasn't around during this period, but I believe it has more to do with the frame of mind of the time. This painting was created in 1787. I think that it conveys a strong message about standing up for what you believe in. The painting tells the story of how Socrates chose to die by his own hand rather than by others. In this painting he is portrayed as speaking about the immortality of the soul while reaching for a cup of Hemlock. The context in relation to the Frech revolution is that people must stand up for themselves to create a better life. It should be noted that Socrates had opportunities to escape but chose not to. That says a lot for his character and virtue.
During the French revolution women became more and more intellectual and played a bigger part in society. Although they were not considered equal to men, they made big advances for themselves. The second painting I chose to write about is a painting by Adelaide Labille-Guiard in 1785.
The painting is a self-portrait with two pupils of hers. In 1783 she was admitted to the French Royal Academy. There was a limit of 4 women who were to be eligible for membership. I think that this painting shows that women were starting to be a more intrical part in society. At this time, while men met at cafes, women would meet at salons to speak about political subject just as the men would. The salons were mainly just for wealthy women.
The third painting I chose was another by Jacques-Louis David. This painting was one of Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier and His Wife. This painting to me actually looks like there is an emphasis on his wife, Marie-Anne-Pierrette Paulze rather than Lavoisier himself. It is said that Marie-Anne was actually a pupil of Jacques-Louis David. Supposedly, a portrait of her drawings is on the armchair to the left of the painting. Lavoisier’s significance in history was that he was a scientist and chemist. He was also a tax collector who happened to be a liberal. He was falsely accused of treason and beheaded at the age of 50.
One thing I noticed in most of the painting of this period is that the people and landscape, mostly homes in these instances, are very lavish and classy. People dressed very elegantly and their homes were very nice looking. The main point of this all is that people want to have choices about their own lives. Having democracy is a step towards that goal. People will always chose to have a choice.
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