Primary Source
Taking of the Bastille
Annotation
This color print emphasizes the populace’s participation in the storming of the Bastille, showing the urban population fighting under a red banner with muskets, swords, and pikes against the royal soldiers. Stunning images such as these—as well as dramatic press reports—contributed to what has become the widespread view that the taking of the Bastille was a spontaneous, brave, and widely popular revolt against royal authority.
Transcription
Title in French
Prise de la Bastille
Credits
Extracted from: Gravures historiques des principaux événemens depuis l'ouverture des Etats-Généraux de 1789