The Mysterious Urn, with the hidden silhouettes of the French royal family 1793 - 1800

Pierre Jean Joseph Denis Crussaire’s 1793 - 1800 engraving, *The Mysterious Urn*, portrays a weeping woman in mourning before a monumental urn. The urn is adorned with a profile of the King, Queen, and the Dauphin, while the willow tree, symbolizing mourning and hope, houses additional silhouettes of the French royal family. The engraving alludes to the tragic execution of Louis XVI during the French Revolution, using symbols of grief and hope to commemorate the fallen monarchy. This intricate piece, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York, offers a poignant glimpse into the political climate of late 18th century France.