Allegorische voorstelling met de Nationale Conventie die de 'Declaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen' vieren 1795

This print by A. Duplessis depicts the French National Convention celebrating the 'Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.' Notice the central figure adorned with a radiant crown, presenting the declaration. This figure is reminiscent of classical depictions of emperors and gods. This harks back to ancient Roman iconography, where leaders were often portrayed with divine attributes to symbolize authority and legitimacy. Yet, here, the symbolism is being repurposed. Consider how such imagery evolves: the crown, once a symbol of monarchical power, is transformed into a symbol of enlightenment. The 'Declaration' itself becomes an object of veneration. The artist taps into a deep well of cultural memory, consciously or unconsciously evoking earlier forms of authority to legitimize the new order. This is how the past informs the present. The emotional power of such symbols remains potent, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level.