Custine stands on the scaffold beside the guillotine (left). Four ragged ruffians are about to bind him to the plank on which he is to lie; one says, "by gar so we will serve all de generals who do not conquer de whole world, and give them de libertè". Custine says, "pardon me heaven for having been leagued with such a set of blood hounds". A stout soldier pushes a weeping priest, who says "let us pray", down the steps (right) which lead up to the scaffold, saying, "go to de diable & your prayers both". Below (right) stand republican soldiers with fixed bayonets much caricatured. On the extreme left a man kneels at the guillotine holding his hat in place of the usual basket; he says, "begar i will have a drink of de blood. " 16 september 1793. Hand-coloured etching. Date: 1793. Dimensions: Height: 250 mm; Width: 395 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine. Collection: British Museum. The Murder of Custine French gratitude or republican rewards for past services (BM 1868,0808.6305)
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