France, The last interview of Louis XVI, with his family by Mather Brown

Mather Brown

c. 1800s

Engraving

This historical engraving, The Last Interview of Louis XVI with His Family, depicts an emotionally charged farewell scene inside the Temple prison in Paris. The composition centers on King Louis XVI as he bids final goodbye to his family, surrounded by Queen Marie Antoinette, their children, and close relatives in states of visible distress, while revolutionary guards stand at the left observing the scene. The image derives from an original painting by Mather Brown and was later translated into print by the engraver G. Presbury, who rendered the dramatic composition in monochrome for wider circulation.

The scene represents the final hours before Louis XVI’s execution on January 20, 1793, during the height of the French Revolution, a moment that became emblematic of the collapse of the French monarchy. It reflects the period’s intense international interest in revolutionary events and the emotional framing of royal suffering for foreign audiences. Mather Brown, an American-born artist trained under Benjamin West in London, was known for theatrical historical and portrait compositions that appealed to British and American patrons, while G. Presbury specialized in adapting such works into engravings for mass distribution. The print is significant for its role in shaping public perception of the French Revolution, emphasizing the human tragedy of the royal family and contributing to a broader visual culture of sympathy and political commentary surrounding the fall of the monarchy.

Dimensions: H 10 3/4" x 8 1/8" W

Condition: Overall the engraving is in very good condition. The paper shows some oiling and discoloration as expected with age.