This episode of "The Rest Is History" podcast interviews Tom Holland about the symbolism of Marianne, the female embodiment of the French Republic, emerging during the French Revolution. The discussion traces Marianne's origins, contrasting her initial representation as a classical figure of Liberty with her later popularization as Marianne. The hosts also explore the roles of women during the revolution, highlighting the contrasting views of women's political participation, exemplified by figures like Madame Roland and Olympe de Gouges, who advocated for women's rights. The podcast concludes by discussing Olympe de Gouges' radical "Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen" and the largely dismissive response it received. A key takeaway is the surprising lack of widespread female support for full political rights during this period, despite women's active involvement in revolutionary events.
