During the revolutionary period, the "trees of liberty" were planted all over the country, and became the symbols of france's overthrow of the royalty and newly acquired freedom. After the 1848 revolution, the july monarchy was brought down, and france was once again under a republican regime. Trees of liberty were planted in reference to the earlier revolutionary period, and in order to justify the new political structure as an inheritance of the revolutionary ideals. The second republic was short-lived, since napoleon iii, elected president in 1848, was to become emperor in 1852. In 1850, when this print was published, the trees were being cut and burnt, prefiguring the change of regime that was to take place shortly after. Date: 9 February 1850. Dimensions: 15.2 x 22.7 cm. Medium: engraving. Collection: Brown University Library.
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