Le Président Sadi Carnot entouré de personnalités de la IIIème République, devant l’Opéra 1889

Alfred Stevens painted "Le Président Sadi Carnot entouré de personnalités de la IIIème République, devant l’Opéra" to depict a formal gathering in front of the Opéra Garnier in Paris. This was a time of relative stability in France under the Third Republic. The painting encapsulates the values and aspirations of the bourgeoisie. It reflects the importance of institutions, social order, and civic pride. The opera house itself, a symbol of wealth and grandeur, serves as a backdrop for the group of men, who are dressed in the dark suits that were typical of this era. The historical context is also significant. The Third Republic was established after the Franco-Prussian War, and the need for unity and national identity was paramount. So how does this painting contribute to that project? We can research official records from the Ministry of Culture or explore journals of the time, so as to build a deeper understanding of the painting’s cultural resonance.