Home > Europe > France > Paris > Politics
Burning an effigy of the Pope, French Revolution
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Burning an effigy of the Pope, French Revolution
Dedicated to the Supreme Being, the revolution has no time for the Pope, who is burnt in effigy in the Palais Royal, Paris. Date: 6 April 1791
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14268658
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1790s 1791 Billowing Burn Burning Burnt Catholicism Effigy Palais Pope Power Revolution Revolutionaries Revolutionary Secular
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> France
> Paris
> Politics
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative image from the tumultuous 1790s, an effigy of the Pope is engulfed in flames in the Palais Royal, Paris, on 6 April 1791. The burning of the Pope in effigy was a powerful statement of the French Revolution's rejection of the religious and political authority of the Catholic Church. The Revolution, which had begun in 1789, had swept through France with a fervor that left no institution untouched. The Church, with its vast wealth and influence, was a prime target for the revolutionary zeal. In this moment, the revolutionaries gathered in the Palais Royal, a former royal palace that had become a center of revolutionary activity, to express their disdain for the Pope and the Church's role in French politics. The Pope, as the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was seen as a symbol of the Church's power and influence. By burning his effigy, the revolutionaries were making a bold statement that the Revolution had no time for the Church or its leaders. The smoke billowing from the flames of the effigy underscores the intensity of the revolutionary fervor and the determination to secularize French society. This image captures a pivotal moment in the history of the French Revolution, a time of upheaval and transformation. The burning of the Pope in effigy was a powerful political statement that marked the waning influence of the Catholic Church in French politics and the rise of secular values. The image is a poignant reminder of the revolutionary spirit that swept through France in the late 18th century and the profound impact it had on the course of European history.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
