As the 4th of July approaches, my thoughts turn to backyard barbecues, fireworks and some favorite paintings. The themes of freedom, rebellion and independence have long been favored by artists throughout the world. In honor of Independence Day, here are a few of my favorites:

The first painting that comes to mind is Liberty Leading the People (1830) by Eugene Delacroix. The bare-chested woman raising the French flag and leading a band of rebels and children is the same iconic figure represented by the Statue of Liberty.

Francisco de Goya’s use of tenebrism and his depiction of the bloody corpses and the rebels’ looks of desperation make The Executions of the Third of May, 1808 (1814) one of the more dramatic representations of rebellion.

Joseph Mallord William Turner’s The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, October 16, 1834 (1835) is a more abstracted vision of chaos and destruction. Although the fire was actually caused by an overheated furnace rather than rebel soldiers, the blazing government buildings still evoke thoughts of freedom and independence from oppression.

And, finally, Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851) is probably the most well-known depiction of the American Revolutionary War. The treacherous, icy waters, the heavenly glow in the background and the proud stance of George Washington—it doesn’t get any more iconic than this.

What are some of your favorite patriotic paintings? Do the themes of freedom and independence show up in your artwork?

Have a great 4th of July weekend!
mary