"My Soul" from The Songs of Béranger 1829

"My Soul" is an undated engraving by Ary Scheffer, part of the series *The Songs of Béranger*. Scheffer, working in 19th-century France, navigated a world where social upheaval and artistic romanticism were deeply intertwined. This image encapsulates a romantic vision of brotherhood amidst the wreckage of war. We see soldiers banded together, while above them looms an eagle, a symbol perhaps of both freedom and impending conflict. At the bottom, a fallen crown and chains suggest a rejection of monarchy. The image can be seen as a reflection of the tumultuous times following the French Revolution, and explores themes of camaraderie, loss, and the struggle for self-determination. But who gets included in this vision of brotherhood? Are these soldiers a unified group, and what are the costs of solidarity in the face of conflict? "My Soul" prompts reflection on how national identity is forged and at whose expense.