Abstract:
In the background we can see a church, Sainte Geneviève, built between 1764 and 1789 by Soufflot. Later on, this church became the Panthéon. In 1806 it was re-dedicated as a church and became the Panthéon again in 1830. In 1851 the church was declared a national monument and in 1855 officially renamed Panthéon. Great men of France were buried there, including Victor Hugo.
Daumier shows Charles Forbes de Thyon, Conte de Montalembert (1810-1870), with the candle extinguisher in his hand, symbolizing the end of the age of enlightenment and progress, followed by Capuchin friars, all attacking the Panthéon