Picturing the PastThe Triumph of Democratic Republics This French illustration offers an opinion of the initial revolutionary breakthrough in 1848. The peoples of Europe, joined together around their respective national banners, are achieving republican freedom, which is symbolized by the Statue of Liberty and the discarded crowns. The woman wearing pants at the base of the statue — very radical attire — represents feminist hopes for liberation. (Lithograph by Frederic Sorrieu [1807–ca. 1861]. Musée de la Ville de Paris, Musée Carnavalet, Paris, France/Giraudon/The Bridgeman Art Library)ANALYZING THE IMAGE How many different flags can you count and/or identify? How would you characterize the types of people marching and the mood of the crowd?CONNECTIONS What do the angels, Statue of Liberty, and discarded crowns suggest about the artist’s view of the events of 1848? Do you think this illustration was created before or after the collapse of the revolution in France? Why?