Art As Propaganda

Essay # 59935

Art > Fine Art
Art > History
Art > Painting

Art As Propaganda

A discussion on the idea of art as propaganda through an examination of two works: "The Death of General Wolfe" by Benjamin West and the "Oath of the Horatii" by Jacques-Louis David.

1,224 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2005 Canada

Paper Summary:

Using a compare and contrast methodology, this paper explores the propagandist values and themes present in both "The Death of General Wolfe" by Benjamin West, and "Oath of the Horatii" by Jacques-Louis David, as well as examining the artistic and stylistic differences of each.

From the Paper:

"Eighteenth century virtues such as honour, valour, and love of one's country were believed to produce great people and great deeds (Gardner's 846). Other virtues including courage, patriotism, and self-sacrifice were considered 'natural' and find their place in patriotic or propagandist works of art. The theme of the 'death in battle' of young military heroes has been expressed since antiquity, both in statuary and other forms of art. This same theme of the death of a military hero is portrayed in Benjamin West's The Death of General Wolfe."