Inspirational Art

“Dancer Taking a Bow” was a painted by Edgar Degas in 1877. The painting depicts a solitary dancer with a bouquet of flowers taking a bow after a performance. The smile on the dancer's face shows how much she enjoyed performing. Just as the dancer inspired Degas to paint the scene, performers and viewers will likely be inspired by the painting.

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“The Departure of Garibaldino” or "The Great Sacrifice" was painted by Gerolamo Induno in 1860. The painting depicts a touching scene between a young Italian soldier and his mother.  The soldier volunteered for the Expedition of the Thousand led by Garibaldi. His mother bids him farewell with a kiss.

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“The Painter's Triumph” was painted by William Sidney Mount in 1838.  The image shows a painter delighted by his own work.  He raises his palette in excitement while showing his work to a farmer. The farmer in the painting represents Mount's desire to bring art to the masses.

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“The Hard-Working Mother” was painted by Jean Siméon Chardin in 1740.  The painting depicts a woman examining embroidery while her daughter assists her.  This painting of a domestic scene highlights the mother's dedication to her work.

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“Between Rounds” was painted by Thomas Eakins between 1898 and 1899. The exhausted boxer is resting in his corner while his corner man fans him with a towel. The man behind the ring seems to be giving him advice while sports writers and the sports fans await the next round.

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“Napoleon Crossing the Alps” was painted by Jacques-Louis David in 1800.  The painting shows Napoleon riding a horse while pointing to the Alps.  Napoleon's raised arm illustrates his character as a leader.  Whatever one thinks of Napoleon, one cannot ignore the resolve in his eyes depicted in this image.

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“The Works of Mercy” was a famous theme drawn from the Gospel of Matthew painted by David Teniers the Younger in the 1640s.  Depicted in the picture are seven works of mercy prescribed in the gospels.  Christians are encouraged to quench the thirsty, feed the hungry, dress the naked, welcome the pilgrims, visit the sick and the prisoners and bury the dead. Believers and non-believers alike could draw inspiration from this painting.

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“On to Liberty” was painted by Theodor Kaufmann in 1867.  The painting depicts fleeing African slaves during the American Civil War.  Most of them were women and children because the retreating Confederate troops took the adult male slaves with them.  While the battle rages on, they flee towards the Union flag.

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“Charity of Saint Elladius of Toledo” was painted by a Spanish painter named Francisco Bayeu y Subias in 1770. Elladius was a bishop in Toledo during the early 5th century.  He was known for practicing charity while living an austere life.  The painting shows Elladius giving aid to the needy.  People are lining up behind him while more await him below the steps. 

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“Liberty Leading the People” was painted by Eugène Delacroix in 1830. The painting depicts the Paris uprising known as the Trois Glorieuses.  Liberty, personified by a woman wears a Phrygian cap and a yellow dress which slipped down revealing her breasts.  She raises the red, white and blue flag while leading the people over the lifeless bodies of both rebels and monarchists. 

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