The Munitioners of July 28 1831

This lithograph by Auguste Raffet captures a moment during the July Revolution, spotlighting armed citizens, or “munitioners,” aided by children, against a backdrop of street fighting. The placement of children, who are ostensibly innocent, alongside armed men is a powerful symbol. Think back to classical antiquity, where images of youthful deities were often intertwined with themes of war and protection, suggesting a divine endorsement of conflict. In this print, children are shown carrying supplies. Their presence evokes a similar sentiment, imbuing the uprising with a moral purity. This symbol also resurfaces in later works of propaganda where children embody not only innocence but also the future worth fighting for. This reflects our deep-seated psychological impulse to protect the vulnerable. It is this emotional resonance that makes this image such a potent symbol, echoing through history and collective memory.