A Review on the Champs de Mars c. 1773

Jean-Baptiste Le Paon created this watercolor and gouache painting entitled 'A Review on the Champs de Mars.' The artwork presents a formal military review, a symbol of power in 18th-century France. But what stories lie beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward scene? The Champs de Mars, now a public park, was then a space heavily charged with class distinctions. We see the aristocratic elite observing the military exercises, their elaborate dresses and leisurely demeanor contrasting with the disciplined ranks of soldiers. Look closely at the edges of the scene, though. Le Paon includes onlookers, climbing trees for a better view. What does it mean to be included and excluded from this display of power and status? And what alternative narratives were being developed? This picture invites us to consider not just the spectacle of military might, but the complex social dynamics at play.