La Liberté
Citoyenne de Monchy French
After Louis Simon Boizot French
Former Attribution Martin de Monchy French
The French Revolution enacted dizzying change, from overthrowing the monarchy and instituting a republic to outlawing Christianity and creating a new calendar. Images like this allegory were used to define the revolution’s values. In this affordable print, which was part of a larger series (including 50.512.73), we see Liberty breaking a pair of shackles. Women could not be voters, legislators, or soldiers during the revolution, but they nevertheless participated in its politics. For example, three female artists contributed to this series, including Madame de Monchy. All three female artists, in contrast to their male counterparts, signed their names as "Citoyenne," or Citizeness, insisting on their right to citizenship.
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