Database: Marianne

The figure of Marianne is the allegorical figure of revolutionary France. Wearing a Phrygian cap, she embodies the "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" maxim adopted by the French Republic. The two forenames Marie and Anne were among the most popular in rural France, and particularly amongst servants working in the cities. The figure of Marianne was first used to represent France in October 1792 with a revolutionary song entitled "the Healing of Marianne." The refrain sings praises of the new republican regime officially installed 10 days earlier. The forename would soon be associated with the French motherland, symbol of the republic triumphing over its enemies, both from outside and within. One of the most significant representations of Marianne can be seen in Eugène Delacroix's famous painting, Liberty guiding the people, completed in 1830.