Liberty Leading The People By Eugene Delacroix: Exemplar Essay To Follow

Will you agree that war can bring not only destruction, but also production of something new and useful? The French Revolution inspired Eugene Delacroix on the creation of his the most recognizable painting Liberty Leading the People. It was painted in 1830, oil on canvas and is displayed in Louvre Museum in Paris.
The painting produces a very strong impression and the emotions of the figures transfer to the viewers, as the subject of it is revolution and struggle of the people. The object on the canvas that immediately attracts the attention is the French flag and bears a symbolic meaning. In general the colors used by Delacroix are earthy, dull, cool and vibrant. The texture is smooth and the shapes are blurred and overlapping, except the central figure of the woman, who singles out from the dark mass on the painting. The light is used to illuminate Liberty and to draw attention to her figure. The structure of the painting in pyramid and Delacroix places Liberty on the top of it. Liberty leads people to the victory that is why her shape is 3D and realistic, creating a motion, separation from the obscure background. Liberty holds the flag – tricolor of white, blue and red. These colors symbolize revolution and are contrasted in the clothes of a man that is beneath Liberty. The colors are repeated in order to show the connection between the people and Liberty, to show their unity and common aim. Delacroix painted the picture with a purpose to support the people in their struggle and to inspire them for the victory. He depicts people of different social classes in order to emphasize that revolution united all the people and together they will definitely achieve their goal.
The painting definitely was a success among people of various social strata. The subject matter seems to be easy to understand not only to a connoisseur. Although, a longer observation of the painting helps to find some elements that add some ideas to the whole picture. I liked Delacroix idea to single out a certain figure on the painting with the help of color and light. He masterfully made the contrast between the blurred and flat background and the moving figures on the fore ground. I would hand the painting in my study, as I find it very inspiring and motivating to move forward and fight.