This dazzling portrait, that had been commissioned as a gift for the king of Spain, so delighted Louis himself that he changed his mind and kept it for his throne room at Versailles. it is easy to remember when looking at this that this was the ":Sun King", who slept in a room that formed the central axis of the colossal palace., and that all roads from the provinces converged at this same spot. But the vanity of the sixty-three year old monarch, his reverence for the "cult of the king's person", are subordinate here to the idea that the king is the living symbol of the whole vast, rich kingdom of France. He said "I am the State".

Louis XIV died in 1715, having reigned for 72 years.

Hyacinthe Rigaud fortunately turned early in his life from historical painting with which he had begun his career to state portraits, for which he was so peculiarly fitted that he has been called the born painter of kings. Four other rulers sat for him, as well as four generations of the French royalty.

David, who knew and admired Marat, and had visited him a few days earlier, spares none of the realistic details - the knife, the bloodstained bathwater, the letter from Charlotte Corday. At the same time the scene has a static Roman gravitas, like a tomb monument, an effect enhanced by the inscription on the table in the foreground. This is David's greatest work, and certainly the strength and sincerity of it's political involvement are amongst the secrets of its tragic power. It seems to symbolize the ordeal of the 18th century itself, passing from ardour and idealism to violence and disillusion.

David was the chief exponent of the neo-classical style in France, a political supporter of the French Revolution and painter of Napoleon. Such early works as the "Oath of the Horatii" are characteristic of this style - a severe, frontal composition, static gestures, emphatic definition of muscular structure of the figures, all combined with a subject drawn from Ancient Rome. David was politically active during the Revolution and, in fact, voted for the King's execution. His painting, "The Death of Marat", is his most brilliant work from this period. He became a fervent Bonapartist, heralding napoleon's success in many paintings including one of his coronation as Emperor. In 1815, after the return of the Bourbons, David fled France to live in Brussels and almost entirely ceased to paint.

Napoleon commissioned the painting of four grand pictures to commemorate his assumption of the title "Emperor". David completed only two before the empire collapsed. one painting is named, The coronation, or Le Sacre. the other is the Distribution of the Eagles, 1810 (now in Versailles).

The Coronation is a life-size portrait of all the dignitaries witnessing the event. It took place in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The ancient Gothic architecture was covered with imitation marble arches copying the style of the Roman Empire. Napoleon actually placed the crown on his own head, but in the painting he wanted to relate the moment when he put the crown on the brow of his Empress. The placement and stance of every person had to be approved by Napoleon even to the inclusion of his mother who had made a particular point of being away from Paris on that day.

The painting is 20 by 30 feet and contains 150 life-sized portraits. It took several years for each person to sit at the church where David had set up his studio for his or her likeness. The US Ambassador is included. As a signature, David included himself sitting and sketching with his family, favorite pupils and his teacher, Vien.

Napoleon used much symbolism to remind people of the Roman Empire and to break away from French aristocracy. The coronation robes are completely embroidered with golden bees, a symbol of all people working for the good of the hive, or state, to produce the honey of prosperity. Sheaves of wheat and horns of plenty symbolize abundance. Palm branches were a sign of victory and Napoleon's laurel wreath crown is the ancient symbol of literary immortality.

Napoleon's armies had invaded Spain and were about to carry away the son of the Spanish king. protecting their monarchy, the people of Madrid attacked the invading army. The next day, civilians, guilty or not were marched before the firing squad. Goya paints much feeling into this scene. Which side of the battle did he have sympathy for? Notice the lighting and its source. The light shines on the man about to be executed. If he could talk, what do you think he would say? The soldiers are like a machine - each person alike, blindly carrying out their duty.

Although he was born before 1750, Goya's art belongs to the 19th century because o his strong influence even into this century. Goya portrayed the court life of Spain as well as the brutal invasion by Napoleon. The purpose of his work is biting social commentary or emotional expression.

Goya began his art studies in the large town local to his birthplace but he fled to Madrid before he was 20. There he was taken on as an assistant to Tiepolo, who was decorating the royal palace. Perhaps the art of making large cartoons for tapestries later influenced the strong simple lines of his mature work. A visit to Italy exposed him to the expressive lighting and unusual perspective of the late Baroque period. on his return to Spain he became a court painter. The imaginative and critical side of his art is seen in his other works. As an outstanding etcher and lithographer, he did a series entitled "Miseries of War". Such works helped to dispel the romantic concept of war.

 Gericault was a romantic who loved to travel and always stood up for the less fortunate. The emotional life he led is reflected in his work. He exhibited his work in the Salon, but caused a revolution in the art world with his large canvas "The Raft of the Medusa". The picture proclaimed the freedom of the artist and made a statement about a contemporary event. The painting was not accepted in France, so he took it on tour to London and charged admission to see it. The English boy with his large innocent eyes is proclaiming the ideals of the revolution with his Phrygian hat.

The Middle Class was now setting the fashion and although they had once been the leaders of the Revolution, they were now conservative, preferring the classicism and clear lines of David. New individualistic painting was associated with political radicalism. Delacroix exhibited his work in the Salon with Constable's landscapes. His work brought much criticism. When the conservatives came to power, Delacroix painted subjects from literary and near Eastern sources instead of touchy contemporary subjects.

After the revolution and Napoleon, France was once again in turmoil. Louis-Phillipe, the "Citizen King" battled for power over a more reactionary Bourbon king who the aristocracy supported. this was the Revolution of July 1830. Delacroix paints a dramatic painting with much emotion. Notice the lighting which is like a stage. The colors of the flag are repeated and symbolize patriotism with truth and purity of the white, the blue of freedom and red for the blood of those who have fallen for the ideal of liberty. Where else have you seen this woman - Liberty?