Robespierre | Document signed, also signed by others members of the Comite de Salut Public, ordering an arrest

Maximilien Robespierre

Document signed, also signed by Collot d'Herbois, Couthon and Billaud Varenne as members of the Comité de Salut Public,

ordering that 'le Citoyen Nique' be arrested at St Quentin and transported to Paris, one page, 8vo, on headed stationery with engraved vignette, Paris, vingt-trois floréal [11 May 1794], light spotting

This letter was signed by Robespierre just four days after his new religious order, the Cult of the Supreme Being, was authorised by the National Convention as the civic religion of France. This event marked the apex of Robespierre's power and at the first national celebration of the Supreme Being Robespierre assumed full control. However, his position became the focus of suspicion and distrust which led to the dramatic coup d'etat on 9 Thermidor [27 July 1794] and his execution the following day.

PROVENANCE

Christie's, London, 29 June 1995