French Revolution, satirical artwork. 19th-century artwork depicting French politician and mayor of Arras Joseph Le Bon (1765-1795) standing on decapi
French Revolution, satirical artwork. 19th-century artwork depicting French politician and mayor of Arras Joseph Le Bon (1765-1795) standing on decapitated bodies and drinking the blood of those executed by the guillotine in the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution (1789-1799). Le Bon's revolutionary role earned a reputation as a cruel tyrant. The original form of this artwork was commissioned from Louis Lafitte (with engraving by Charles Normand) by one of his opponents, an attorney called Poirier, and was published in May 1795. The title ('Les formes acerbes', 'Harsh Manners') refers to a successful defence by Le Bon. However, a later trial and conviction led to Le Bon's execution on 15 October 1795. This cropped and re-coloured copy of the work dates from 1810.
Size: 5848px × 2995px
Photo credit: © LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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