Primary Source

Destruction of the French Colossus

Destruction of the French Colossus

Annotation

This hand–colored engraving, published in late 1798, depicts a Hercules representing France being decapitated by a lighting bolt in divine retribution for the executions by guillotine and for the attempt to create "Fraternity" and a "Religion of Nature" to replace the Christian love of God. Notice that it is the British who launch these deadly attacks.

Text

Caption
Shall the Works of a wicked Nation remain? shall the Monuments of Oppression not be destroyed? shall the Lightning not blast the Image which the Destroyers have set up against the God of Heaven & against His laws?

Credits

Collection de Vinck. Un siècle d'histoire de France par l'estampe, 1770-1870. Vol. 29 (pièces 4856-5017), Ancien Régime et Révolution.
Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Estampes et photographie, RESERVE QB-370 (29)-FT 4 [De Vinck, 4992].

How to Cite This Source

"Destruction of the French Colossus," in World History Commons, https://worldhistorycommons.org/destruction-french-colossus [accessed March 28, 2024]