Ossian Receiving the Ghosts of French Heroes (1801)

The Neoclassic painter Anne-Louis Girodet painted this dense canvas entitled Ossian Receiving the Ghosts of French Heroes in 1801. The painting is also known as Apotheosis of French Heroes who died for their Country during the War of Freedom.

It's a bit puzzling why the "fallen French heroes" should be received by a blind Gaelic poet.  For some background, it's worth reading the Wikipedia article on Ossian. As it turns out, his very existence may be a hoax. But his purported works, published by one James MacPherson in 1760, received continent-wide acclaim in Europe. An opera based on the works was produced in Paris in 1804, enhancing the popularity of Ossian and his legend.

This painting has all the hallmarks of Neoclassic propaganda: heroic figures, adoring maidens, and tumult in the heavens.

Girodet has been featured here previously.