[French Revolution] French National Anthem: "Marche des Marseillois" (La Marseillaise). Small broadside, early printing of "Marche des Marseillois" which became the French National Anthem: "La Marseillaise," one page, 8½ x 7 in., printed on laid paper, c. 1790s. Overall toning and light soiling. Housed in a vintage custom-made folder
The quintessential call to arms was composed in 1792 by Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle, a captain of engineers in the French army, after the French declared war on Austria. Volunteers from Marseilles heard the song and joined in storming the Tuileries on Aug. 10,1792. It grew in popularity and was declared a national song on July 14, 1795. Banned under the Empire and the Restoration, La Marseillaise was reinstated by the July Revolution of 1830, and the Third Republic (1879) established it as the French national anthem. Even many non-French speakers know the stirring opening: "Allons enfants de la patrie / Le jour de gloire est arrivé…."
Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000.
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