"July Fourteenth" from The Songs of Béranger 1829

Alfred Johannot created this print, "July Fourteenth," for The Songs of Béranger, using engraving techniques to render its intricate details. The composition is structured around a central vignette depicting two figures standing atop what appears to be the remnants of the Bastille, a potent symbol of revolution. An eagle hovers overhead, wings spread, dominating the upper register. This emblem of power is juxtaposed with the discarded symbols of monarchy below: a crown, a broken chain, and a fallen scepter. The entire scene is framed by a delicate, vine-like border, softening the revolutionary fervor with natural motifs. This elaborate framing suggests a complex interplay between destruction and renewal. The ruined Bastille as a platform signifies a radical shift in power, while the discarded royal symbols mark the end of an era. The vine-like border introduces a cyclical view of history, where destruction leads to new growth. The artist employs these visual cues to challenge fixed notions of authority, inviting viewers to reflect on the fluid nature of power and its representation.