Primary Source

Louis Arrives in Hell

B&W engraving of King Louis XVI entering hell
Color engraving of King Louis XVI entering hell

Annotation

In classical mythology, the journey to Hell involved crossing the river Styx. Revolutionary cartoonists often invoked this image when describing the fate of their enemies. This is no exception. See the boat on the left with the dog, Cerberus, who was the guardian of the gates of the underworld. Arriving here is the headless Louis, greeted by other prior monarchs. In the right corner is a glade, showing a contrasting world in which people dance happily around the liberty pole.

Translation

Title in French
Réception de Louis Capet aux enfers

How to Cite This Source

"Louis Arrives in Hell," in World History Commons, https://worldhistorycommons.org/louis-arrives-hell [accessed March 28, 2024]