question_answer

How has French artist, Frederic Sorrier, visualised in his first print, of the series of four prints, his dream of a world made up of 'democratic and social republics'? Explain.                                                 [Delhi 2008]

Answer:

In the first print the artist shows the people of Europe and America-men and women of all ages and social classes-marching in a long train and are offering homage to the Statue of Liberty as they pass by it.

At that time after French Revolution 'Liberty' was imagined as a female figure who held the Torch of Enlightenment in one hand and the Charter of Rights of Man in the other.

On the earth in the foreground the artist depicted the shattered remains of the symbols of absolutist institutions.

In Sorrieu's idealist vision people of the world are grouped as distinct nations identified through their flags and national costumes. Leading the processions are the states of United States and Switzerland which were already nation states at that time. France with its revolutionary tri colour flag had just reached the status.