Artwork

La Rébellion lyonnaise terrassée par le génie de la Liberté

La Rébellion lyonnaise terrassée par le génie de la Liberté, by Philippe-Auguste Hennequin, oil, 1798
La Rébellion lyonnaise terrassée par le génie de la Liberté, by Philippe-Auguste Hennequin, oil, 1798

La Rébellion lyonnaise terrassée par le génie de la Liberté is an oil painting by Philippe-Auguste Hennequin. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

About this work

Overview

La Rébellion lyonnaise terrassée par le génie de la Liberté is an allegorical oil painting created by French artist Philippe-Auguste Hennequin in 1798. It is housed at the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

Subject & Meaning

The painting symbolically depicts the suppression of the Lyon Rebellion through the triumph of Liberty's genius. Figures vary in attire, with a central nude male and a draped female to his right, conveying contrasting themes of vulnerability and virtue.

Technique & Style

Hennequin employed smooth, blended brushstrokes and a nuanced color palette, combining earth tones with blues to achieve depth and contrast. The overall effect is one of serenity and realism.

History & Provenance

Commissioned in 1798, the work reflects the political climate of post-rebellion Lyon. Its creation coincided with the late 18th-century emphasis on liberty and the aftermath of the French Revolution.

Context

Produced during a period of political upheaval in France, the painting captures the ideological shift towards liberty and order following the Revolution. It reflects Hennequin's broader focus on historical and symbolic subjects.

Legacy

While not widely recognized beyond French art historical circles, the painting provides insight into late 18th-century French allegorical art and the artistic response to political events of the time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Philippe-Auguste Hennequin

Artist

Philippe-Auguste Hennequin

Philippe-Auguste Hennequin (10 August 1762 – 12 May 1833) was a French painter who specialised in history painting and portrait painting.