The Crowning of Voltaire

The poet, philosopher, and playwright François-Marie Arouet, known universally as Voltaire, was one of the most influential figures of the 18th century. He was a linchpin of the French Enlightenment, so it often comes as a surprise to learn that he spent much of his career in Switzerland, in exile from France. This print, Gaucher's most important, captures a key moment from Voltaire’s triumphant return to Paris in the very last months of his life. Voltaire came back to the city in February 1778 to see the premiere of his last play, Irène. He fell ill during the voyage from Geneva and missed the premiere at the Comédie française on March 16, but recovered enough to attend a performance later in the month. Moreau le Jeune and Gaucher capture the moment when the cast ceremonially crown a bust of the playwright with a laurel wreath. The real Voltaire looks on from the loge at upper left, as the audience applauds. The philosopher stayed in Paris, but died a few months later.