15th of August! c. 19th century

Curator: This is Nicolas Toussaint Charlet’s "15th of August!", currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The date remains unknown. Editor: It feels like a celebration of family, but the old soldier seems weary, almost melancholic, despite the children’s joy. Curator: The 15th of August holds significance; it was Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthday and a national holiday in France for a time. This imagery likely speaks to changing political tides and the role of memory. Editor: The little girl raising the floral wreath seems to be offering an accolade, perhaps a symbol of renewal. The dog at her feet looks up with adoration. Curator: Indeed, there is an interplay here of civilian life merging with military past, hinting at the complexities of French identity in a post-Napoleonic era, as society reassessed collective values. Editor: An intriguing artwork, one that weaves personal joy with the subtle echoes of a nation’s identity. Curator: Absolutely, it invites us to consider how shifting power dynamics impact ordinary lives, reflecting both societal resilience and individual adaptation.