A satirical representation of the fraternization at the fête de la fédération in the champ de mars on 14 july 1790, for which there were extensive and enthusiastic preparations. Louis xvi, the central and dominant figure, puts his arms round a group of five of his subjects, and is about to kiss one of them; the other two couples kiss each other, embracing in unseemly manner. The king says, weeping, "this is what i have long desired: my wish is at length accomplished the nation & the king from hence forward, will be but one"; the other looks up at him yearningly, saying, "point de deux chambres". One of the other couples says "point de république", while he picks the pocket of his friend, whose coat is dotted with fleur-de-lys, showing him to be an adherent of the ancien régime. On the left a fourth couple is embracing; one says, weeping: "i'll furnish tears to drown the king"; the other adds, "and i the dauphin and the queen". On the right a man wearing spectacles embraces a pillar, saying, "vive le roi, vive la nation vive liberté". The feet of these figures are cut off by the lower margin. 16 july 1790. Hand-coloured etching. Date: circa 1790. Dimensions: Height: 248 mm; Width: 330 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre, . Collection: British Museum. A new French bussing match or more cursing & swearing for the assembly (BM 1868,0808.6223)
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