6 Questions
What is depicted in the first print of Frédéric Sorrieu's series?
Peoples of Europe and America offering homage to the statue of Liberty
What do the shattered remains of absolutist institutions symbolize in Sorrieu's vision?
The failure and dismantling of oppressive systems
How did Frédéric Sorrieu personify Liberty in his prints?
As a female figure holding the torch of Enlightenment and the Charter of the Rights of Man
How are nations differentiated in Sorrieu's vision?
By their flags and national costumes
In what way do the peoples of the world appear in Sorrieu's vision?
Unified under a global government
Which countries lead the procession depicted by Sorrieu in his prints?
United States and Switzerland
Study Notes
The Dream of Worldwide Democratic and Social Republics
- In 1848, French artist Frédéric Sorrieu created a series of four prints depicting his vision of a world composed of democratic and social republics.
- The first print (Fig. 1) shows people from Europe and America, of all ages and social classes, marching together and paying homage to the statue of Liberty.
Representation of Liberty
- Liberty is personified as a female figure, bearing a torch of Enlightenment in one hand and the Charter of the Rights of Man in the other, as seen in French Revolution art.
- The statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy.
Utopian Vision
- In Sorrieu's ideal world, nations are distinct and identified through their flags and national costumes.
- The people of the world are grouped together, with the United States and Switzerland leading the procession, as they were already established nation-states at the time.
Critique of Absolutist Institutions
- The shattered remains of absolutist institutions are depicted on the earth in the foreground, symbolizing the rejection of authoritarian systems.
- Sorrieu's vision is utopian, depicting a world where absolute power is abolished and democratic values prevail.
Explore the vision of a world consisting of 'democratic and social Republics' depicted by Frédéric Sorrieu in his series of prints from 1848. Dive into the details of the first print which showcases people from Europe and America of all ages and social classes.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
