Week 5 Wall
Given what you’ve learned this week about the politics of representation, what ideological purposes does the image below fulfill?
Mort du Montcalm, Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté, 1902
Given what you’ve learned this week about the politics of representation, what ideological purposes does the image below fulfill?
Mort du Montcalm, Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté, 1902
liorbarel, 
amandawoodland, and 9 others are discussing.
liorbarel 11:11 pm on September 30, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In order to understand this painting of Montcalm by Marc-Aurele de Foy Suzor-Cote, we must understand the context within which it was painted. Louis-Joseph de Montcalm was a French commander in North America during the Seven Years War (1756 – 1763) who died at the Battle of Quebec. The story of his death is not especially triumphant – he was shot by a British soldier while retreating from the battle that was the result of his bad military decision, and had the result of French surrender.
However, this painting portrays something quite different. Suzor-Cote, who was born in Quebec, is obviously portraying a strong sense of French Canadian nationalism. Montcalm, in his dying moments, is surrounded by many figures, who all look solemn – one man is even kissing Montcalm’s hand. The priest (in the only purple in the painting) and the nun (in the foreground) being there also suggests the importance of religion, and the importance of Montcalm’s death. Something else that might suggest religious connotation is the amount of white he is wearing, which connects him to many paintings of Jesus while Jesus was dying (Caravaggio’s Entombment of Christ, Mantegna’s Dead Christ, etc.). Finally, politically and historically, this painting elevates Montcalm and recognizes his importance in two ways: by making him the subject of the painting, and by painting so many French soldiers standing at his side while he dies (especially while there is the end of a battle going on outside!).
liorbarel 10:46 pm on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Lior Bar-El
lindswong 10:38 am on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In my English classes I have taken in the past there was always a focus on perception. In particular we talked about framing in novels: how the narrator frames or “displays” an event or part of the story so that it gives off a certain meaning. Framing adds context and meaning to the story but has the ability to change the meaning given off by the event thus changing one’s perception of the event.
Likewise in this painting, there is a framing of the event of Montcalm’s death to make it appear in a particular way to observers. Thus, framing is very important when used for ideological purposes. Marc-Aurèle painted this image in such a way that glorifies Montcalm. All the people surrounding his bed give off a sense that he was a highly respected person. Those kneeling around Montcalm, elevate his position as a leader of the people. Furthermore that fact that he is dressed in white is to show his type of character, and since white typically signifies purity, that is what is implied. In a sense, the painter connects Montcalm’s death to the many different portraits one sees of Christ’s crucifixion; almost putting Montcalm on the same level.
Whether Montcalm was truly this type of person, deserving of such respect and honour is not a question that arises in this painting. Instead this painting fulfills its ideological purpose of glorifying, the general of the French army, and thus glorifies the French people as well. Ideologically the painting shows the “greatness” of the French and their leader, and can be used to help boost the morale of the French people or give off a sense to others of the solidity of the French people. In the end the French had lost the battle that Montcalm died in, which suggests that he may not have been as as strong of a leader as this portrait implies, thus showing the manipulation one makes to portray an event in a particular way.
lindswong 10:38 am on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Lindsay (Ruth) Wong
aviaah 11:41 am on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The “Mort du Montcalm” is a painting that depicts just as it is named: the “Death of Montcalm”. In saying this, we can look at the painting with an observant eye, and extract from Montcalm’s dying moment a plethora of ideological and symbolic representations. The setting of the picture is that of Montcalm’s deathbed, and there is a grave tone to the painting. This can be inferred from the grey and brown undertones used by the artist to convey a solemn atmosphere, as well as the fact that those surrounding Montcalm, who appear to be soldiers or people of significance, are sullen and remorseful. Their hats are off to show respect to Montcalm, as well as to show that they are in the presence of someone, in this case the fallen lieutenant general of the French forces, who still deserves the respect of his superior position despite his vulnerable and weakened state. This picture also places heavy emphasis on religion and significant elements of Christianity. Firstly, the presence of the ornate priest and the kneeling nun place emphasis on the fact that the french, and the Canadiens, were devout Catholics. Catholicism was one of many attributes that separated the French from the British, the two groups that rallied against each other during the Battle of Quebec. From this battle, Montcalm earned a fatal shot from a british soldier, which is seen here in the painting: there is a red mark, a bloody wound, on Montcalm’s illuminated chest. As well, drawing attention to idea of light, it can be seen that Montcalm is the primary focus of this painting, as his bed is bathed in white light. His illumination is symbolic of the fact that he is depicted in this picture as pure, almost saintly, which links directly back to the religious elements of this painting. This saint-like portrayal plays upon the idea that Montcalm is being recognized for exceptionality, most likely for the fact that he led the battle against the British to defend their territory in North America. Because of this, the French most likely looked to Montcalm as a heroic figure and appreciated his contribution. What we must keep in mind, though, is the fact that this is a painting from a single hand, and therefore provides us with a single interpretation. We must ask ourselves: did everyone hold the same perception of Montcalm as the artist did? Whereas Suzor-Coté may have held certain opinions, and thus allowed his creation to exhibit his personal ideas, the painting does not account for the general perception of Montcalm that others may have held, and therefore we must take this into account when interpreting such work.
karinbjorkdahl 11:55 am on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
There is quite a few represents from the church portrayed in the picture, and due to their clothes I believe they belong to the Catholic Church. So you have the religious part. In the background it looks like poor people stand to grieve him, as well as people with higher social statuses. So the picture tries to visualize a representation from the whole society. In a situation where a whole country comes together and cross social-economical borders and grieve together there has to be a reason. The most likely would be that the dying man has done something for the whole country. Which is true, he fought for his country against a common enemy. The fact that there wasn’t anything special with his story is irrelevant though. That isn’t what the painter wants to mediate.
As you said in class, the winner always writes the history and therefore, the winner has the opportunity to interpret the outcome. The easiest way, and the way that has always been used is to divide everything in black and white, bad and good. The dying man himself are dressed in white along with his bed and linens, which gives the viewer the impression of him being heroic and innocent. This enhances the purpose of the picture. The picture represent how the situation should be looked upon at that time, everybody how gives their lives for the country is heroes and should be glorified. And its purpose is to unify the people against the enemy.
tazizi 2:09 pm on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
From the painting, a person could assume that Montcalm was a man of importance, and his death is of great significance. After some research, one can find that his death was in fact, not that special or heroic. However, the artist is able to make a person believe this is not the case if they do not have any background information.
Montcalm is the only character in the painting that has an abundance of light shining on him, drawing the attention of the observer to him. Also, being the only one dressed in, and surround by, the colour white, I would assume there is some significance to that. Perhaps it is representing his sacrifice and his heroic attributes. Painting people who kneeling, the artist has stressed Montcalm’s higher status and importance in the society. The man in the purple, who I am guessing to be a clergy member, paying his respects, reinforces the idea that Montcalm was important as the clergy had high status during this time period. Furthermore, the colour purple generally represents a person being high on the social ladder or belonging to royalty. The weeping people in the background are not as well dresses, and obviously not as well stressed by the artist, so maybe they are of the working or poorer class. With people from all ranks of society in the picture, it makes it seem that Montcalm is a well-known and liked man by many.
ecopeland 11:23 pm on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The above image of Montcalm’s death shows that both the painter and the intended audience had immense respect for Montcalm. The onlookers in the painting are praying, some sobbing and others deeply shocked. This suggests that Montcalm’s death was a serious loss to his New French comrades who surround him with expressions of love and adoration. The figure that kneels beside Montcalm, clutching his hand conveys a sense that even on his death-bed Montcalm is their leader and they looked to him for advice and wisdom. In this respect it also could be seen to suggest that Montcalm’s death lent to the defeat of Quebec against the British, as he died just one day into the conquest of Quebec.
The presence of the Roman Catholic Priest, possibly there to perform last rites on Montcalm, also reveals the significant religious ideology of the nation. The portrayal of his last moments, the way in which he is painted to look peaceful, clean and sage gives his death an honourable atmosphere and therefore gives the actions of the New French honour, that whilst they lost to the British they fought for valiant reasons.
tyler5 11:40 pm on October 3, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The painter of this work used many details, some more subtle than others, to make implications about both the French general and the French people in general. There are several key factors that make the status of General Montcalm quite clear. Judging merely by the number of people beside his death bed indicates the massive level of respect this man had amongst his people. Men of wealth and importance, wearing redcoats, wielding finely made swords, and wearing powered wigs, signify the elite of society. In essence, within the painting, their purpose is to elevate the status of the general. They do so simply by their actions. Men are kneeling, praying, and crying; all due to the death of one man. As the general of the army and as a leader in the preservation and expansion of the French world, Montcalm’s ideological position is one of representation for all of France. The painter expands upon this position by dressing Montcalm in white garments. White is a symbol of purity, beauty, and grace. The painter implies that these traits are qualities of Montcalm, therefore qualities of France. He represents the glory of the entire nation, hence the beam of light shining upon him. Furthermore, the presence of the priest in the foreground of the painting indicates the importance that the Catholic Church had in influencing French people. He is dressed in extravagant robes, and is also under the beam of light. The priest looks down upon the French general with a solemn glance.This could be merely because he is mourning the loss of a great man, or, because during this era, the protestant church was gaining influence quickly; the priest may in fact be mourning at the loss of a French general who would have been a protector of the Catholic faith. Overall, this painting indicates certain French ideologies, specifically the role and preservation of the Church, as well as the characteristics of the French people and their leaders.
chliane 2:25 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The painting by Marc-Aurèle of the “Mort du Montcalm” depicts the death of a commander who served in the Seven Years war, which was fought over the colonies in what would become Canada. He won several glorious battles, but was eventually shot on the Plains of Abraham and died the same night as Wolfe, the British commander.
In this painting, Montcalm is lying on his deathbed entirely in white robes, which can symbolize his purity or cleanliness from sin, signifying that he fought for what was right. He is surrounded by people of importance, such as generals and members of the church in their religious attire. They all have their hats removed, and have bowed their heads, and some are kneeling. All of them have sad or solemn looks on their downcast faces. The fact that these important figures are all present shows the reverence for whom the artist depicts as a holy, righteous man who was highly honored.
The ideological purpose of this painting was to celebrate the French people and bring them together. It celebrates the spirit of the French people, who fought with God on their side, as suggested by the religious figures present. By depicting Montcalm as holy and good, the picture tells the French people that they were the “good guys,” fighting against the evil forces who had come to take their land. Marc-Aurèle reproduces Montcalm in such a way that he becomes a martyr, which also affirms this point, that the French and Montcalm were soldiers of the righteous, and those that died had done so for the greater good in upholding their beliefs. Even though the French lost the war, the painter tells the story that they died for a good cause, and they will be rewarded in the afterlife.
amrita 4:09 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The image that Marc-Aurèle depicts in this sketch is the death of a commander in the French army in New France. The commander, Montcalm, died from a musket wound in 1759 after the French army was defeated in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. The painting shows that Marc-Aurèle believed in the goodness of Montcalm as illustrated by the symbolism present in the empty chair, the colour and lighting on the main character in question, as well as the number of people surrounding Montcalm’s deathbed. This painting may demonstrate that Marc-Aurèle had great admiration for the French of New France. For the first example, although it can be overlooked, there is an empty chair present. By itself, it may mean nothing, yet it could also represent the spirit of Christ or the person. It may show that that Montcalm was blessed and did no wrong in pursuing command and attempting to defeat the British. Secondly is the main object the sketch focuses on: Montcalm. He is shown dressed in white and lays on a bed covered with white sheets. Again, this could be something innocuous as many people do have white bedsheets and white dressing gowns, yet many cultures use white as a symbol of something pure and clean. It may be that the white shows the goodness of Montcalm and the brightness of the white in comparison to the darker colours also aids in emphasizing the elevated status of Montcalm. Lastly, we see that in his death Montcalm is surrounded by many people. These people could have been persons who served under his command, perhaps friends as well. We also see a nun and a priest. Everyone appears to be upset at his death which demonstrates the importance of Montcalm, as quite bluntly, there would be no need to show grief for someone who did not mean something to many people. In conclusion, the ideological purposes served by Marc-Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Coté’s painting shows the righteousness and greatness of Montcalm in leading the French army in the battles of the 1700’s.
madden34 4:18 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The artist Marc-Aurele has painted a very significant photo here named “Mort du Montcalm” which provides a visual representing the death of Montcalm. Montcalm has many people surrounding him including a nun and a priest. This depicts that religion was quite present in this time, and the importance around it. Montcalm is in his deathbed , the French Canadian nationalism is present. It is made clear by the painter that their intention is to portray the man in his deathbed in the spotlight. There is a man kneeling kissing his hand while it seems the other are sulking over the death of him. The white clothing he is wearing is promoting the purity he holds, while being a key concept for the observer to see. The overall purpose of this painting is to glorify Montcalm and to show the hero Montcalm and his sacrifice for his country.
amandawoodland 4:52 pm on October 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
“Mort du Montcalm” is a striking representation of the death of General Montcalm, who died in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. The dark and neutral colours give the image a somber tone, which is reinforced by the stances of the people; some have their heads bent, some kneel, etc. Two figures in particular are made to stand out through use of brighter colour. The first is the Catholic priest dressed in traditional robes, who represents the significant role that religion played during the time (the praying nun further supports this). The second is Montcalm himself, whose white clothing and bedding draw the eye to him as the central subject of the image. The use of white also implies glory – Montcalm’s death is portrayed as somewhat glorious in this image. The men surrounding him can be assumed to be high ranking, prestigious figures as they are all dressed well. They have clearly come to pay their respects to Montcalm. When searching for more information on General Montcalm, I discovered that he was not loved by everyone; however, he died in the position of respect and that is the view that this artist has illuminated.
Tina Loo 12:09 pm on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
General Comments:
Good job everyone. Most of you picked up on the fact that this painting, like Benjamin West’s, makes a visual argument about their subjects; i.e. Generals Wolfe and Montcalm. That said, the two paintings are very different. Many of you commented on the significance of the colours used by Suzor-Coté as opposed to West, but not many of you picked up on the significance of portraying Montcalm dying in bed.
Why show Montcalm in bed rather than on the battlefield? Is it some sort of critical commentary; i.e. that generals die in bed while their troops suffer? Probably not in this case. Could it be that the painter wanted to avoid showing Montcalm dying on the battlefield because that would call attention to a French DEFEAT? He still wanted to portray the French general as a hero, though, so he showed him inside, with no reference to the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (or any other battle for that matter). If you didn’t know anything about the circumstances of Montcalm’s death, you wouldn’t even know he’d been fighting….
liorbarel 10:57 pm on October 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
That’s a good point. You don’t think the painter would assume that the person looking at his painting knows who the subject is, and his history, at least a little bit? Also, isn’t he surrounded by men with swords?
But maybe he could be saying Montcalm is a hero, despite his defeat (not in loo of it).