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Artwork

The Genius of France between Freedom and Death

Jean Baptiste Regnault , 1798

The Genius of France between Freedom and Death, by Jean Baptiste Regnault, oil, 1798
The Genius of France between Freedom and Death, by Jean Baptiste Regnault, oil, 1798

The Genius of France between Freedom and Death is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Jean Baptiste Regnault. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.

About this work

Overview

The Genius of France between Freedom and Death is an allegorical oil painting created by Jean Baptiste Regnault in 1798. The work features a symbolic, floating scene with three central figures, each embodying distinct concepts.

Subject & Meaning

Together, they convey a moment of poised tension between liberty, national spirit, and mortality.

The painting depicts three allegorical figures: a woman in a white tunic and red headband (symbolizing Freedom, holding a red flag and scales of justice), a winged nude male (representing the Genius of France, with outstretched arms), and a hooded figure leaning on a scythe (personifying Death, with a wreath of leaves). Together, they convey a moment of poised tension between liberty, national spirit, and mortality.

Technique & Style

Regnault employs chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, to create dramatic depth in the painting. This technique accentuates the emotional and symbolic weight of each figure, drawing the viewer’s eye through the composition.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1798, the painting is now part of the collection at the Hamburger Kunsthalle in Hamburg, Germany.

Artist & collection

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hamburger Kunsthalle open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Hamburger Kunsthalle. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.