Frederic Sorrieu was a French artist who in 1848 prepared a series of four prints visualizing his dream of a world made up of 'Democratic and Social Republics'.

Frederic Sorrieu was a French artist who lived from 1807-1872. He gained fame for his series of four lithographs titled "The Progress of the Human Mind" which depicted his vision of a utopian world.

Background

During the mid-19th century, nationalism was on the rise in Europe. People were beginning to identify themselves with their nation rather than their religion or class. This movement was fueled by various factors such as the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the spread of education.

"The Progress of the Human Mind"

Frederic Sorrieu's lithographs were created in 1848, during the revolutions that swept across Europe. The four lithographs depicted his vision of a utopian world where people of different nations lived together in peace and harmony. The lithographs were titled:

1. The Triumph of the Republic
2. The Confederation of the Rhine
3. The United States of Europe
4. The League of Peace

In the first lithograph, Sorrieu depicted the French Republic as a woman leading the people towards a better future. In the second lithograph, he depicted the Confederation of the Rhine which was a union of German states that existed from 1806-1813. In the third lithograph, he depicted the United States of Europe with various national figures coming together to form a single entity. In the final lithograph, he depicted the League of Peace which was a union of nations that would work together to prevent war.

Impact

Sorrieu's lithographs had a significant impact on the people of Europe. They became a symbol of hope for those who believed in the ideals of nationalism and unity. They were also widely reproduced and distributed, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Conclusion

Frederic Sorrieu was an artist who created a vision for a utopian world where people of different nations could live together in peace and harmony. His lithographs became a symbol of hope for those who believed in the ideals of nationalism and unity and had a significant impact on the people of Europe during the mid-19th century.