Journal de la Mode et du Goût, Huitième Cahier, 5 Mai 1790, May 5, 1790
Hand-colored engraving; engraved musical score; letterpressexpand_more
The Minnich Collection The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund, 1966expand_more P.15,477-P.15,480
Not on Viewexpand_more
In this hand-colored engraving from the Journal de la Mode, a mayor holds the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, then under review with the National Assembly (ratified July 1790), and wears newly redesigned official dress. According to the description, civil officials could wear any (modest) suit, but a tricolor cockade and sash were required. Gold fringe was required for mayors, while other officials wore white or purple. These accessories replaced old fashioned medals—“empty honors” bestowed by the king and subsequently invalidated during the Revolution―signifying rank. The Civil Constitution further subordinated the Catholic Church to the state, invalidated ecclesiastical vestments, and required a pledge of allegiance to the nation, not the Pope. Many priests refused and public opinion regarding the Revolution soured among devout citizens.
The mayor reaches out to a woman who turns away. Long associated with royalty and mourning, the purple color of her gown could signify support for the Crown, sadness for the death of the Church, or both.
Details
- Title
- Journal de la Mode et du Goût, Huitième Cahier, 5 Mai 1790
- Artist Life
- 1760–1837
- Role
- Author
- Accession Number
- P.15,477-P.15,480
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Colas 1557
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.