Study for “The Enrollment of the Volunteers of 1792” 1848

This drawing was made by Thomas Couture in 19th century France as a study for his painting "The Enrollment of the Volunteers of 1792." Though seemingly simple, the raised arm holding a quill becomes a powerful symbol when viewed through its historical context. This preparatory sketch shows the figure of Fame, who is recording the names of citizens who volunteered to defend the First Republic against invasion. Couture's painting, commissioned by the French state, was intended to glorify the patriotism of the French. However, Couture's work can also be interpreted as a commentary on the way the state uses art to promote its own agenda. Scholars can explore the legacy of the French Revolution, the history of French state patronage of the arts, and the changing role of the artist in 19th-century France to better understand the social and institutional forces that shaped Couture's art.