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My favorite visit that we have taken so far was actually our first trip to Trafalgar Square. I find it truly fascinating that we can stand in a place of such history and see the British history unfold before us. The display of military and imperial power within the square is ever present in the architecture and landscape. As seen in James Tissot’s London Visitors, the square is a highly popular tourist attraction, then and still now. His subjects stand between the grandiose Corinthian columns of the National Gallery and St. Martin’s stands tall in the background. Even today, it is clear to me that the Corinthian columns on the once controversial National Gallery are inherently replicating Greek militaristic and imperial power. Furthermore, the neo-classical architecture can be construed as a tribute to the Roman Empire, by which London (Londinium) was founded around 47 AD. Additionally, the erect memorial for Horatio Nelson in the center of the square promotes British naval capacity. It was replicated from a prototype in Rome and again, bestowed imperial power on England (Marshall, 2019). The four English lions, which surround Nelson’s memorial, represent the public and the brave men who performed their “duty” and fought with Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar. While Tissot’s work does not explicitly display the attractions in Trafalgar Square, the audience of that time would have known what the visitors were there to see. Even so, audiences now can infer what the tourists are looking for. St. Martin’s in the background of Tissot’s painting adds an interesting contrast in architecture and meaning to the National Gallery. St. Martin was a charitable man, and therefore, the church is there as a display of charity. This can be seen in William Logsdail’s St. Martin-In-The-Fields by the juxtaposition of class difference in the photo, seen by the little girl with flowers and the woman with her child (Marshall, 2019). The display of charity in St. Martin’s and the display of power in the National Gallery add an interesting contrast relating to the differences between the moral and militaristic commitments of the country. Overall, I really enjoyed this trip and will return before the semester is over.
Madison Mansour

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 19, 2019 at 9:35 AM

    I also really enjoyed the visit to Trafalgar Square. I find it fascinating that this space has maintained its capacity to serve as a city center. Most recently, they hosted the St. Patrick’s Day and celebration in the Square! I wonder if St. Patricks day brought as many people for St. Patricks day during Tissot’s era.
    I really enjoyed your analysis on the symbolism of the space. After learning about Prince Albert’s memorial statue, I also think perhaps the 4 Lions protecting Nelson’s memorial could be a depiction of guarding the officer from all corners of the world.
    Further, I didn’t know anything about St. Martin so thank you for this background information on the church! I thought your contrast of St. Martin’s church and the National Gallery was an insightful point and a great way to conclude your post.

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