In Memoriam painting
Topic: The Revolt of 1857 · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 2 "Rebels and the Raj"
Meaning
"In Memoriam" is a painting by Joseph Noel Paton, made in 1859 after the Revolt of 1857. It shows English women and children huddled together. They look helpless and innocent, as if waiting for violence and death. The rebels are not shown at all, yet the picture makes the viewer imagine them as cruel. This made British readers angry and was used to support harsh revenge against the rebels.
Example
In the painting, frightened mothers and children huddle close together, praying and waiting for an attack. The viewer only imagines the attack, because it is never shown. The painting stirred feelings of grief and anger in Britain at a time when the rebellion was being put down by force.
Don't confuse with
- Miss Wheeler image: this picture shows an English woman fighting back and killing her attackers at Kanpur, with a Bible lying on the floor. It turns the revolt into a fight for the honour of Christianity. In Memoriam shows women as helpless victims.
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