The Assassination of Foulon (22 July 1789) 1789

Editor: This etching by Jean François Janinet is titled "The Assassination of Foulon." It depicts a mob and what appears to be a hanging. I’m struck by the raw violence of the scene. What aspects of production and social context stand out to you? Curator: Notice the etching itself, a readily reproducible medium. This allowed for the widespread dissemination of revolutionary imagery, shaping public opinion through accessible prints. Consider, too, the labour involved and the consumption of this image as propaganda. What does this tell us about the artist's role during the revolution? Editor: So, Janinet wasn't just creating art, but actively participating in shaping revolutionary sentiment? Curator: Precisely. The print becomes a tool of revolution, blurring the lines between art object and instrument of social change. It makes you wonder about the circulation and reception of such images.