Episode 17: War and Peace

There is something about art that can move us to action: for both good and bad. We've talked about in various episodes about many times when art was used as propaganda, but here's some examples that have been examples we found where art either worked towards bringing peace, or incited some kind of outrage.

David by Michelangelo

In an incident during a riot, the hand of David was hit. The mob immediately calmed and dispersed, showing the value the people of Florence put on their art.

Death of General Wolfe by Benjamin West

Benjamin West, while trying to glorify the death of a British soldier. For several reasons, the British hated it... including King George, who refused to give Ben his paycheck.

Statue of Liberty

Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix

 Lady Liberty has been a symbol to both the French and the United States. The statue has become a symbol for peace, while other depictions (such as Delacroix) helped to fuel the French Revolution.

Second of May by Goya

Third of May by Goya

 Another depiction of war, Goya is celebrating the Spanish Spirit based on events in 1808. The first is the riot that was started by the Spanish against the French invaders, the second image is when the French went back to the village and massacred the men there.

Man at the Crossroads... by Diego Rivera

Unlike Benjamin West, Diego Rivera was paid for this mural... Rockefeller  just decided to tear it down a year later. With the money Rivera made, he recreated the mural several times over.

JR

This is a piece that is discussed on JR's Ted Talk (which we highly recommend you listen to here).

We also talked about a student whose work had the same humanity and works to promote the idea that for all our differences we are the same. To see more of this project and Maria Corona's work, go here.

If you have topics in art history you're just itching to hear more about, leave us a comment or email us at: uvu.artsandfacts@gmail.com.