Join Us in France · Sunday, July 12, 2026
Following significant critical backlash for his early works, Eugène Delacroix created 'Liberty Leading the People' in 1831, inspired by the July Revolution. This painting depicted a realistic and emotionally resonant scene, earning immediate acclaim and being purchased by Louis-Philippe. However, due to its revolutionary imagery, the painting was later removed from public display for fear of inciting unrest.
“I want to show people that I am sympathetic to their cause, and that I can make a painting that is relatively realistic and that has real human beings in it, and isn't simply an exotic scene, and isn't simply a battle scene, and is a painting that people can relate to.”
“And so people perhaps felt the emotional strength of this. Like, it really hit home. It hit home so much that it was a huge success right away. It was acclaimed as a painting, of course.”
“It was taken out and given back to him. He was told to keep it in his studio because they were afraid that it would help give people ideas about taking to the streets.”