Eugène Delacroix

Liberty Leading the People ... (1830)

One of the most powerful propagandist works of revolution, this painting dramatises the concept of fighting, and if necessary dying, for freedom from the oppression of your own government.

Note the telling use of silhouette, and the sombre colouring, and the light on the flag of freedom. Note also the clear involvement of people of all social ranks, old and young, male and female. Note the sexless treatment of Liberty, whose semi-nudity was still a requirement at that date, if the audience was to understand that she was to be seen as an Ideal concept.