Proclamation De La République Le 24 Février 1848 1902

Jean-Paul Laurens painted this scene sometime in the 19th century, probably in oil paint. Look at the way he handles the crowd: it's a flurry of brushstrokes, like he's trying to capture the energy more than the details of each person. It feels like the making of the artwork mirrors the event it depicts: a raw, unfolding process. There's a real physicality in the paint here. The lower part is heavy, with thick marks suggesting rubble and the barricade. Notice how the light catches the edges of the paint, giving a sense of depth and texture. Then your eye is led up, drawn to the almost frantic energy of the crowd holding the red flags – a detail that really stands out against the sombre palette. I am reminded of Daumier, who was similarly interested in depicting the lives of ordinary people and political upheaval. But, really, this piece reminds us that history is never a finished story. It's a messy, complex process, open to interpretation – just like a painting.