Artpress explores French identity through literary and historical quotes

In May 2007, the French art magazine artpress released "Vous avez dit «identité» ?", which delves into the concept of French identity through various quotations. It opens with a definition of "identité" sourced from Le Petit Robert, highlighting its Latin origins. Art historian André Chastel raises the question of whether French art can exist without a cohesive nation. Jean Genet remarks that the builders of cathedrals were often foreigners, potentially including Muslims. Poet Louis Aragon proclaims, "Debout peuple travailleur, le jour de gloire est arrivé." The film by the Prévert brothers calls for a "vrai béret français." Additionally, Marshal Pétain's statement "La terre ne ment pas" and Arthur Rimbaud's dismissal of patrie are featured, while Philippe Sollers critiques the preservation of French identity, alluding to Vichy and the emotional resonance of the Marseillaise.