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Heaven and Hell, c. 1850. Creator: Octave Tassaert (French, 1800-1874)
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Heaven and Hell, c. 1850. Creator: Octave Tassaert (French, 1800-1874)
Heaven and Hell, c. 1850. This painting focuses upon the struggle between good and evil for the soul of a young woman. Looking out at the viewer, she is shown in the upper center of the composition, immediately below an angel and directly above Satan. At the upper right Saint Michael-holding scales for weighing the goodness of souls-admits the Blessed to Heaven. Below, the Damned struggle to avoid the firey pits of Hell and the demons that will torment them for eternity. At the time Tassaert painted this work, France was undergoing considerable political upheaval. In 1848, the country was wracked by a civil war between royalist and republican forces. Tassaert himself believed strongly in the Republic, and probably intended the young woman-caught between the sensual, worldy temptations of royalist excesses and the noble, pure ideals of the Republic-to personify the country of France
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Media ID 19634483
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Octave Tassaert Oil On Fabric 1800 1874
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Heaven and Hell, c. 1850
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating painting that delves into the eternal struggle between good and evil for the soul of a young woman. Created by Octave Tassaert, a French artist during a time of political turmoil in France, this artwork reflects both his personal beliefs and the state of his nation. The composition centers around the young woman who gazes directly at the viewer, positioned above an angel and below Satan himself. This placement symbolizes her pivotal role in deciding her own fate amidst opposing forces. Saint Michael can be seen on the upper right side, weighing souls to admit them into Heaven or condemn them to Hell. Tassaert's choice to depict this internal battle within one individual mirrors France's own struggle during that period. In 1848, civil war erupted between royalist and republican factions, causing chaos throughout the country. As a staunch supporter of the Republic, Tassaert likely intended for this young woman to represent France itself – torn between indulgent temptations associated with royalist excesses and noble ideals embodied by republicanism. This oil-on-fabric masterpiece showcases Tassaert's artistic prowess as he skillfully captures intricate details such as fiery pits filled with tormented souls desperately trying to escape their inevitable damnation. Today housed in The Cleveland Museum of Art, "Heaven and Hell" remains an enduring testament not only to Tassaert's talent but also serves as a poignant reminder of historical events that shaped both art and society in 19th-century France.
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