L'Egalité
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 50.512.71), we see Equality holding a balanced level. 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.
Artwork Details
- Title: L'Egalité
- Artist: Citoyenne de Monchy (French)
- Artist: After Louis Simon Boizot (French, Paris 1743–1809 Paris)
- Former Attribution: Martin de Monchy (French, Paris 1746–after 1815)
- Date: ca. 1794
- Medium: Etching and pointillé
- Dimensions: Image: 7 11/16 in. × 6 in. (19.5 × 15.3 cm)
Sheet: 10 5/8 × 7 5/8 in. (27 × 19.3 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Miss Lucy Erdwurm, 1950
- Object Number: 50.512.73
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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