NATIONAL CONVENTION. - Lot 88

Lot 88
Go to lot
Estimation :
80 - 100 EUR
Bid on drouot.com
NATIONAL CONVENTION. - Lot 88
NATIONAL CONVENTION. Official handwritten copy of the law of 26 Fructidor, Year II (September 12, 1794), establishing the celebration of the last day of the Sans-culottides. Department of Paris, Office of Police, Justice & Laws, No. 302. A 2-page folio manuscript, written entirely in pen, with an engraved vignette of the Republic (“The Law”) printed at the top. A very fine administrative copy of the law passed by the National Convention in the aftermath of Robespierre’s fall, organizing the celebration of the fifth supplementary day—or the last day of the Sans-culottides—marking the end of Year II of the Republican calendar. The text precisely sets forth the official ceremony: gathering of citizens in the garden of the National Palace at eight o’clock in the morning; performance by the National Institute of Music of “The Victories of the Republic” and “Songs of Fraternity”; solemn proclamation by the President of the Convention of the victories of the French armies; solemn presentation of flags to the defenders of the Fatherland; civic coronation of the most deserving soldiers; transfer of Jean-Paul Marat’s remains to the Panthéon; enforcement of the decree simultaneously ordering the removal of Mirabeau’s ashes, as he had become unworthy of national honors. The second page specifies that the minutes of this celebration must be printed and sent to all departments and all armies of the Republic. The document bears the following administrative endorsements: “Approved” by the Representative of the People; certification of conformity by the Commission on Civil Administration, Police, and Courts; handwritten signature of Division Chief Dupis (or Dupuy—spelling to be confirmed). Historical Context This text pertains to one of the most symbolic episodes of the French Revolution. On 26 Fructidor, Year II (September 12, 1794), just a few weeks after 9 Thermidor, the Convention still maintained the civic cult of Marat, while at the same time ordering the removal of Mirabeau’s ashes, which had been compromised since the discovery of his secret correspondence with Louis XVI. This ceremony marked the official end of Year II and constituted one of the last major civic celebrations of the Reign of Terror before the political shift toward the Thermidorian regime. Significance: This document is significant in two ways: historically, due to its direct link to the revolutionary celebrations of Year II; and administratively, as it is a handwritten official copy prepared for the Parisian administration—far rarer than the printed editions of this law. These copies were intended for the administrative bodies responsible for enforcing the decrees and were generally destroyed after use. Condition: In very fine condition. Sturdy paper; the handwriting is particularly neat and very legible. A few old creases and minor foxing in the margins, which are not significant.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue