Journal de la Mode et du Goût, Huitième Cahier, 5 Mai 1790

From the Minneapolis Institute of Art record

In this hand-colored engraving from the Journal de la Mode, a mayor holds the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, then under review with the National Assembly (ratified July 1790), and wears newly redesigned official dress. According to the description, civil officials could wear any (modest) suit, but a tricolor cockade and sash were required. Gold fringe was required for mayors, while other officials wore white or purple. These accessories replaced old fashioned medals—“empty honors” bestowed by the king and subsequently invalidated during the Revolution―signifying rank. The Civil Constitution further subordinated the Catholic Church to the state, invalidated ecclesiastical vestments, and required a pledge of allegiance to the nation, not the Pope. Many priests refused and public opinion regarding the Revolution soured among devout citizens. The mayor reaches out to a woman who turns away. Long associated with royalty and mourning, the purple color of her gown could signify support for the Crown, sadness for the death of the Church, or both. France, Europe