Le Dévouement des Citoyennes de Paris (The Dedication of the Citizens of Paris)

Joseph-Benoît Suvée

Cleveland Museum of Art

The framed painting depicts a scene in a large room with a statue. The frame is gold with ornate details. The painting itself shows people in ancient-style clothing. Most wear togas in shades of white, red, yellow and blue. A woman in a blue and white garment kneels to the right holding a baby over a small pillar. To her left, a woman in a yellow garment and a woman in a white and red garment touch hands. Behind them, two women crown each other with laurel wreaths. On the right, a woman stands on a pedestal holding a wreath and cloth. The pedestal displays an inscription. The background shows stone columns and a tiled floor. The people are in a semi-circle around the pedestal. The overall atmosphere suggests a ceremonial scene.