French Revolution


Arrestation des ambassadeurs
On 25 July 1793, Sémonville and Maret were arrested in Novate Mezzola in Italy, near the Swiss border, by mercenaries working for Austria. The entire diplomatic delegation, including Hélène de Montgeroult and her husband, were captured. The Marquis de Montgeroult, who may be the person wearing the plumed hat in […]

The Ambassadors’ Arrest


Comité central de salut public
Hélène de Montgeroult was saved from the guillotine when a delegation from the Institut national de musique, led by Bernard Sarrette, intervened on her behalf before the Committee of Public Safety. Composers belonging to the institute included Méhul, Martini? Cherubini, and Gossec. The episode was recounted by the horn player […]

The Committee of Public Safety