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Ancient Voices, Timeless Messages: Peace in Artistic Representation
On the International Day of Peace (United Nations) every September 21st, it’s essential to reflect upon the role art has played in emphasising the value of peace. Historically, artists have utilised their medium to depict the quest for harmony, the stark realities of war, and the vision of a world unified in peace. Today, as we mark this global day of peace, Koktail reflects on several pieces that encapsulate these themes of calm, unity, and a desire to live devoid of conflict.
These art pieces, each in their own distinct manner, touch upon the notions of peace, whether it’s through strong stances against warfare, evocative symbols of unity, or mere portrayals of serenity and freedom.
Edward Hicks’s The Peaceable Kingdom (Repeatedly painted between 1820 and 1846)
American folk artist, Edward Hicks, showcased the peaceful coexistence of diverse animals in “The Peaceable Kingdom,” inspired by the Book of Isaiah from the Bible which speaks of an era of peace.
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s The Statue of Liberty (Unveiled in 1886)
Gifted by France to the United States, The Statue of Liberty has become a globally recognized emblem of freedom and peace, extending a warm welcome to newcomers and illuminating the promise of democracy.
Sir Alfred Gilbert’s The Statue of Peace (1912)
Located prominently in front of Buckingham Palace, the “Queen Victoria Memorial” or “The Statue of Peace” comprises a bronze figure representing Peace, cradling an olive branch and orb. It honours the conclusion of the Boer War and stands testament to peace and reconciliation.
Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory (1931)
Salvador Dalí’s renowned piece, “The Persistence of Memory,” while not directly about peace, transports viewers into a serene dreamscape, challenging them to think about the passage of time and our perception of reality. Its surreal and thought-provoking nature allows for a range of interpretations, including those related to tranquillity and harmony.
Photo: Courtesy of nataliebreazeale
Pablo Picasso’s Guernica (1937)
Created in reaction to the tragic bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, “Guernica” is a poignant commentary on the devastation that war brings. Picasso vividly presents the anguish and turmoil stemming from violent conflict.
Pablo Picasso’s The Dove of Peace (1949)
Picasso’s straightforward yet profound portrayal of a dove soon became a cherished representation of peace after it was selected for the poster of the World Peace Congress in Paris in 1949.
