Devise with Anchor 19th century

Charles Monblond’s “Devise with Anchor” is a 6 7/8 x 5 inch drawing made with graphite. It depicts an anchor entwined with branches and ribbons, crossed with what appear to be maces. Monblond lived during a period of great social upheaval, with the echoes of the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon. This artwork can be interpreted through the lens of its historical context, inviting questions about power, authority, and the symbolism of maritime strength. France was a major colonial power at this time. The anchor is a symbol of stability, hope, and steadfastness and might represent a yearning for stability in times of political turmoil. The maces are symbols of authority, and the branches and ribbons are those of victory and celebration. These symbols comment on the social structures of its time. Historians use all kinds of resources to understand the context of artworks like this. Studying the social and political context of Monblond's time helps us interpret the artwork more fully.