Tiers Etat Collection

Opening of the Estates General at Versailles, 5th May 1789
CHT168371 Opening of the Estates General at Versailles, 5th May 1789, from Tableaux historiques de la Revolution Francaise (coloured engraving) by Moreau

Everybody carry the burden of Taxes and National Debt, c. 1789 (colour engraving)
CHT157341 Everybody carry the burden of Taxes and National Debt, c.1789 (colour engraving) by French School, (18th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

Centenary of the French Revolution (engraving)
1595992 Centenary of the French Revolution (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Centenary of the French Revolution)

Procession of the Tiers Etat, in Paris, 1789 (engraving)
654645 Procession of the Tiers Etat, in Paris, 1789 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Procession of the Tiers Etat, in Paris, 1789)

The Microscope of Rage, the Telescope of Pride and the Eyes of Reason
CHT179942 The Microscope of Rage, the Telescope of Pride and the Eyes of Reason and Common Sense, caricature of the reaction of the nobility and clergy to the French Constitution

The Awakening of the Third Estate, July 1789 (coloured engraving) (see also 266297)
XIR34111 The Awakening of the Third Estate, July 1789 (coloured engraving) (see also 266297) by French School, (18th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

Departure of the Three Orders for Versailles, 3rd May 1789 (coloured engraving)
XIR56502 Departure of the Three Orders for Versailles, 3rd May 1789 (coloured engraving) by French School, (18th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

The Blessed Sacrament being carried in Procession at the Opening of the Estates General
XIR349816 The Blessed Sacrament being carried in Procession at the Opening of the Estates General at Versailles, 5th May 1789 (colour engraving) by French School

Mirabeau and Monsieur de Dreux-Breze at the Assemblee des Deputes, 23rd June 1789
XIR34098 Mirabeau and Monsieur de Dreux-Breze at the Assemblee des Deputes, 23rd June 1789 (oil on canvas) by Court, Joseph Desire (1797-1865); 87x115 cm; Musee des Beaux-Arts, Rouen

Honore Gabriel Riqueti Mirabeau (1749-91) (engraving)
XIR31841 Honore Gabriel Riqueti Mirabeau (1749-91) (engraving) by French School, (18th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Patience Margot, it will soon be 3 times as much, 1789 (coloured engraving)
XIR468155 Patience Margot, it will soon be 3 times as much, 1789 (coloured engraving) by French School, (18th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

Madame des Trois Etats, caricature on the Three Estates of France before the Revolution
XIR379756 Madame des Trois Etats, caricature on the Three Estates of France before the Revolution (coloured engraving) by French School, (18th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet

Monsieur des Trois Etats, caricature on the Three Estates of France before
XIR379755 Monsieur des Trois Etats, caricature on the Three Estates of France before the Revolution (coloured engraving) by French School, (18th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris

Night of the 4th August 1789 or, the Patriotic Delirium (coloured engraving)
XIR180618 Night of the 4th August 1789 or, the Patriotic Delirium (coloured engraving) by French School, (18th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Caricature of the way to make aristocratic bishops and priests swear the oath for
XIR177468 Caricature of the way to make aristocratic bishops and priests swear the oath for the Civil Constitution on the Church, late 18th century (pen & ink and w/c on paper) by French School

Caricature of the clergy at the Constituent Assembly of December 1790 refuting the
XIR177466 Caricature of the clergy at the Constituent Assembly of December 1790 refuting the imposition of the Civil Constitution on the Church, 1790 (pen & ink and wash on paper) by Desrais

Ceremonial Costumes of the Deputies of the Trois Ordres aux Etats-Generaux, 4th May 1789
XIR154937 Ceremonial Costumes of the Deputies of the Trois Ordres aux Etats-Generaux, 4th May 1789 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Poulet (18th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; French

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"The Tiers Etat: A Revolutionary Force for Change in 18th Century France" The year was 1789, and the stage was set at Versailles for a momentous event - the opening of the Estates General. This gathering brought together representatives from all three orders of society: the clergy, nobility, and most importantly, the Tiers Etat - the Third Estate. As depicted in vivid engravings from that time, one can see how burdensome taxes and national debt weighed heavily on everyone's shoulders. The people were tired of inequality and injustice. They longed for change. In Paris, a powerful procession of the Tiers Etat took place. It was an awe-inspiring display of unity as they marched through the streets with determination in their eyes. Their goal? To awaken not only themselves but also their fellow citizens to demand their rights. The awakening came in July 1789 when colored engravings captured this pivotal moment. The Microscope of Rage revealed their anger towards oppressive systems while the Telescope of Pride showcased their newfound confidence to challenge authority. Through it all, Reason guided them towards a brighter future. Addressing the National Convention with passion and conviction, citizens expressed their grievances against an unjust system that favored privilege over meritocracy. One patriotic author even exclaimed his frustration by saying he would give those responsible "to the devil" without hesitation. This historical movement marked not just an opening but also a reunification - The Three Orders Reunis - as commoners stood shoulder-to-shoulder with clergy and nobility demanding equality before law. Though these events may seem distant now, we must remember how they shaped history forevermore. From Napoleon Ulysse Diogenes Maillart's artwork capturing this transformative era to commemorations during later centenaries like that shown in another engraving – it reminds us never to forget how ordinary individuals can become extraordinary catalysts for change.