GIVING UP JEWELRY

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GIVING UP JEWELRY

Wives of artists donate their jewelry to the National Assembly, to help pay the public debt. Date: 7 September 1789

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Media ID 20157535

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1789 Assembly Debt Donate Giving Jewelry Revolution Wives Artists

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EDITORS COMMENTS
September 7, 1789: A Historic Act of Sacrifice - Wives of Artists Donate Their Jewelry to the National Assembly to Help Pay the Public Debt Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution, an extraordinary event unfolded on this day in 1789. In an unprecedented show of solidarity and sacrifice, the wives of some of France's most esteemed artists presented their jewelry to the National Assembly, with the intention of using it to help alleviate the burdensome public debt. The French Revolution, which had begun in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval. The monarchy had been overthrown, and the National Assembly had been established to govern the new Republic. One of the pressing issues facing the Assembly was the mounting public debt, which had been accumulated over many years of extravagant royal spending. In response to this crisis, the wives of artists, including Marie-Therese Geoffrin, wife of Jean-Baptiste Greuze, and Madame Royer-Collard, wife of Jacques-Louis David, among others, decided to make a significant contribution. They gathered their most valuable jewelry and presented it to the National Assembly, offering it up for sale to raise much-needed funds. This act of generosity was widely reported in the press and became a symbol of the revolutionary spirit of sacrifice and unity. The proceeds from the sale of the jewelry were used to help pay off the public debt, demonstrating the commitment of the French people to the cause of the Revolution. The event also highlighted the important role that art and artists played in the cultural and political life of the new Republic. This photograph, taken from Mary Evans Prints Online, captures the essence of this historic moment, showcasing the spirit of giving and solidarity that defined the French Revolution. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary people during this period of extraordinary change and upheaval.

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