Constitution de la France
Paris: Late 18th Century
Hand-colored engraving
11.25 x 8 inches, sheet
10 x 7 inches image, including text
$550

Allegorical pro-Revolutionary print showing financial minister Jacques Necker (1732-1804) borne aloft by two of his supporters, the Duke of Orleans and the Marquis de Lafayette. As the caption explains, "in one hand he holds the French crown and in the other he triumphantly carries the cap of liberty," while "trampling underfoot the tools of slavery" ("slavery" in the sense of oppression by the aristocracy). Necker was a Swiss banker and financial writer appointed by King Louis XVI to improve the poor French economy in 1776. A shrewd politician as well, he gained wide popularity among the populace by instituting a number of financial reforms, although the aristocracy was displeased and he was forced to retire in 1781. However, as the economic problems became increasingly severe in 1788, he was reappointed by the king. His address to the Estates General in spring 1789 called for reform and a constitutional monarchy similar to Britain's. When news of Necker's dismissal on July 11, 1789 reached the Parisian population, an insurrection began culminating with the revolutionaries storming the Bastille on the July 14. Necker was recalled days later as minister of finance for the new revolutionary regime, but retired the following year, spending the rest of his life in Switzerland.

Print is subtitled in French: Mr. Le Duc d'Orleans et Mr. le Marquis de Lafayette soutiennent M. Necker qui foule aux Pieds les Instrments de l'Esclavage et qui d'une main soutient la Couronne de France et de l'autre porte en triomphe le Bonnet de la liberté.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual light toning, wear, soiling, soft creases. Some oxidation of watercolor paint. Some browning to margins. Short tear lower margin restored.

References:

Lynch, Jack. "Jacques Necker." http://www.english.upenn.edu/~jlynch/Frank/People/necker.html (22 August 2002).

Rempel, Gerhard. "The French Revolution I." Western New England College. http://mars.acnet.wnec.edu/~grempel/courses/wc2/lectures/rev891.html (22 August 2002).