Delacroix

Modernism is a word which basically reflects a variety of movements, from romanticism to surrealism, that represent a reaction in art, literature and music of the 19th and 20th centuries to classicism and the enlightenment. The 18th century concerns for human freedom and equality were furthered by the modernists. The accelerating change that occurred during the 19th century prompted an emotional response, a kind of collective mental revolution in which liberty of thought and expression are advocated and abrogation of traditions, institutions, and privileges that have held back human progress are rejected. The modernist portrayed the public realm as one in which human rights were the focus. In the private sphere, they championed the values of feeling and emotion. The 19th century was an era of revolution and counterrevolution, unprecedented population growth, technological transformation, industrialism, capitalism and a century during which people demanded democratic government and were resisted. The beginning of modernism in art began with romanticism which extended some of the enlightenment ideologies while asserting that "truth can be sought and found inwardly more surely than in doctrines of religion or rules of reason" (De la Croix and Tansey 809).

In romanticism, nature replaces the Christian God and fixed doctrines are considered unnecessary "In a world of critical change, where all that is fixed, dogmatic, and cat

lutching a bayonet while with her other hand she waves the tricolor banner forward as a sign to the people to move toward the barricades which were traditionally used by the revolutionaries on the streets of Paris. On her head, Liberty is wearing the cap of liberty. As she makes her advance toward the barricades she must trod over the dead of both parties, the people and the royal army. Representative of the inherent dignity of all people, Liberty is surrounded by a collection of different types of freedom fighters. On her far right we see a menacing member of the proletariat who is holding his cutlass ready to fight. Next to him is an intellectual dandy, done up in suit, tie and plug hat. He is carrying a musket that has been sawed off. Right beside Liberty to her left is a young street boy who is brandishing pistols in both hands. These figures are meant to represent the courageous Parisian types who fought for liberty. Except for the tricolor flag and Liberty's breasts and dress the colors in the foreground of the work are extremely dark and muted, save for some coloring on various articles of clothing of the dead. Directly behind Liberty and the three fighters is a huge cloud of smoke and shadowy figures of other f

Category: Literature - D