Abstract:

In this work, weapons were taken to the center as a sign of violence and power in classical painting. A qualitative painting art history research was conducted in the study. Within the framework of concepts of violence and power, prominent paintings of art history were selected and the way in which weapons were transformed by these concepts was investigated. When looked at these paintings that stand out from the point of view, it is seen that these artworks are produced after the emergence of firearms in Europe historically. For this reason, a brief look at the development of firearms in Europe was carried out in the study, and information on the history of the weapons was provided. According to Kenneth Chase's research, the kind of weapons that could be counted as firearms predecessor passed through Europe in the 1300's over the Ottoman State and North Africa. The Europeans invented pistols and rifles by developing these primitive firearms over time. Thus began the history of guns and rifles after the year 1400 in Europe. After this date, firearms have begun to be seen more often in various forms and naturally begin to enter the art of painting visually. Thus it is seen that firearms began to take place in the painting art of western. It is often seen firearms in paintings art like war-related paintings, revolution-social events, hunting, and military portraits. From this point, it can be said that firearms have taken place in the art of painting as indicator to signify meanings such as war, violence, rebellion and power. In the terms of subject, the artworks that Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Gainsborough’s Mr. And Mrs. Andrews, Goya’s 3 May 1808, Delacroix’ Freedom Leading to People, Manet’s Execution of Maximillian have been study. The firearms found in these artworks have been deciphered with special meanings, as indicators of violence and power.

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