Question

Base your answer to question 1 on Document 1 below and on your knowledge of social studies. Document 1 The image below is a section of a satirical etching created in Paris, 1791 and depicts Louis XVI as Gargantua, a giant from a series of 16th century stories, engaging in a ritual called the “grand couvert” during which the royal family ate their dinner in front of members of the public which Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette sometimes did during their reign. Source: Satire on Louis XVI: Gargantua seated at table with his family demolishes a huge feast brought to him by a crowd of Frenchmen. Late 1791 Hand-coloured etching. 1. Explain the historical circumstances that led to the creation of the etching depicted above.

Answer 1

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The image below is a section of a satirical etching created in Paris, 1791 and depicts Louis XVI as Gargantua, a giant from a series of 16th century stories, engaging in a ritual called the “grand couvert” during which the royal family ate their dinner in front of members of the public which Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette sometimes did during their reign. Source: Satire on Louis XVI: Gargantua seated at table with his family demolishes a huge feast brought to him by a crowd of Frenchmen.

Document 1: Le ci devant grand couvert de Gargantua moderne en famille

(How the modern Gargantua and his family once dined). Late 1791 Hand-coloured etching.

1. Explain the historical circumstances that led to the creation of the etching depicted above.

Answer:

This satirical cartoon shows Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, and the Bourbon family feasting au grand couvert, a long-lasting tradition that had the king and queen eating dinner in front of a selected audience.

Explanation:

This opulent display of wealth and abundance at Versailles was in full contradiction with the poor state of their kingdom and their people.