Peace 

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes painted "Peace" during the late 19th century, a period marked by significant social upheaval and political change in France. Puvis de Chavannes aimed to evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony, offering a retreat from the turmoil of modern life. At first glance, one sees idealized figures in a classical setting, but it invites a deeper contemplation of the values and aspirations of its time. The figures, seemingly untouched by the anxieties of the era, present a vision of serenity, but does so through a traditional, often exclusionary lens. How do we reconcile this idyllic vision with the lived realities of those marginalized by gender, race, or class? The theme reflects the universal desire for harmony and stability but offers a perspective that does not fully capture the complexities of social justice.