Marianne Facts for Kids

Bust of Marianne sculpted by Théodore Doriot, in the French Senate.

Marianne is a national symbol of the French Republic, a personification of liberty and reason, and a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty.

Marianne is displayed in many places in France and holds a place of honour in town halls and law courts. She symbolizes the Triumph of the Republic, a bronze sculpture overlooking the Place de la Nation in Paris, and is represented with another Parisian statue in the Place de la République. Her profile stands out on the official government logo of the country, is engraved on French euro coins and appears on French postage stamps; it was also featured on the former franc currency. Marianne is one of the most prominent symbols of the French Republic, and is officially used on most government documents. Marianne is a significant republican symbol. As a national icon she represents opposition to monarchy and the championship of freedom and democracy against all forms of oppression. Other national symbols of France include the tricolor flag, the national motto Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, the national anthem "La Marseillaise", as well as the coat of arms and the official Great Seal of France.

Images for kids

Mariannes demonstrating in 2013.
Great Seal of France (1848). The headdress of the Republic is identical to that of the Statue of Liberty. Both are prominent republican symbols.
The 1904 cartoon on the Entente Cordiale from Punch by John Bernard Partridge; John Bull stalks off with a defiant Marianne and turns his back on the Kaiser, who pretends not to care.
"Freedom for France, freedom for the French" Marianne (1940)
Marianne « La semeuse » on a five French francs coin (1970).
Marianne in Jonzac (1894). The sculpture is similar to Liberty Enlightening the World, commonly known as the Statue of Liberty.
20 French franc gold coin, 1908. Marianne on obverse.

Marianne facts for kids

Images for kids

See also