Art Education Essay Example

Bartholdi enlisted the assistance of engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel to design the internal structure. Bartholdi and Laboulaye carefully considered how best to depict American liberty, taking into account existing cultural symbols such as Columbia and Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom. They aimed to avoid any representation of revolutionary liberty commonly seen during that time in popular and civic arts, including coins (Duby 2000).In Eugene Delacroix's famous Liberty Leading the People (1830) painting, the depiction shows Liberty leading an armed mob over fallen victims. However, Bartholdi, unlike Delacroix, wanted the statue of Liberty to portray peace instead of violence. To achieve this, he chose to dress the statue in flowing robes and include a torch symbolizing progress (Duby 2000). The Statue of Liberty holds various subtle symbolic messages of liberation. It represents both freedom and friendship between France and the United States, as French citizens contributed to its funding while Americans financed its pedestal's construction (Duby 2000). Positioned on Liberty Island, adjacent to Ellis Island where around 12 million immigrants arrived between 1892 and 1954, the statue resonates as a symbol of freedom for immigrants. The broken chains on Liberty's feet symbolize the American nation's freedom from slavery and oppression (Penner 2003). Furthermore, the seven spikes on Liberty's crown symbolize the seven continents and seas worldwide. This sends a message that freedom and liberty should extend to all nations across the globe.My interpretation of the Statue of Liberty aligns with both Bartholdi and Laboulaye. I think it was a noble idea to portray the statue as a symbol of peace, freedom, and release, rather than in a revolutionary aspect like Delacroix had done. Revolutions often bring

violence, bloodshed, and unrest. Given the current global events, such as the revolutions in Africa and Egypt, where many lives have been lost, I believe we should focus on spreading liberty instead. The Statue of Liberty serves as more than just an aesthetically pleasing sculpture; it strongly represents this purpose. One may wonder what contributes to the success of the statue. Is it solely due to its monumental size? While our modern culture doesn't often see sculptures of that magnitude, we still hold monumentality in high regard, albeit with some reluctance. However, it is not just Bartholdi's talent that captivates us. When we look at the statue itself, we often overlook the remarkable work of Richard Morris Hunt, who designed the statue's impressive base. Hunt was even more notable in his profession than Bartholdi was in his (Penner 2003).The Statue of Liberty is a work of art that combines various aspects to create a powerful sensation. It holds immense value in our society and is a deeply personal symbol. Not only is it elegantly proportioned, but it is also an incredible sculpture. Its location on an island in the harbor, facing the sea, serves the purpose of welcoming and forms a vital connection with New York City. From the perspective of those at sea, the statue brings the city together and becomes the focal point. During the liberty weekend in July 1986, which marked both the restoration and centenary of the statue, President Ronald Reagan and Francois Mitterrand recognized its significance. Their speeches highlighted the bond between America and France.The display of magnificent fireworks above the statue and New York's skyline was truly spectacular. Images

of the statue were captured from all angles, at different times of day and night, and were widely portrayed on television, magazines, and newspapers. Amidst the frenzy, small green foam rubber hats allowed tourists to wear a crown resembling Liberty's majestic headpiece. I believe that the Statue of Liberty is the most exquisite piece of art I have ever witnessed. One aspect that enhances its beauty is the broken chains wrapped around its feet, subtly visible beneath the robes. This feature symbolizes the statue's liberation to enlighten the world with its shining torch, free from oppression. Moreover, standing at a height of 151 feet, the top of the Statue offers a genuine opportunity to behold the true beauty of New York City. Following the restoration in 1986, the statue's torch was adorned with gold, truly representing its splendor and symbolic significance to America.