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Cats thrown into the bonfire in the Place de Greve, Paris
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Cats thrown into the bonfire in the Place de Greve, Paris
CHT163124 Cats thrown into the bonfire in the Place de Greve, Paris, during the night of the summer solstice, illustration from Le Bon Roi Henri by Abel Hermant (1862-1950), c.1900 (colour engraving) by Job, pseudonym for Onfray de Breville, Jacques (1858-1931); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France; (add.info.: Bucher de chats sur la place de Greve lors de la nuit de la Saint-Jean; reign of Henri IV (1553-1610); fete de la St Jean; les feux de la St Jean; belief that every 22 June, summer solstice, cats participated in a great sabbath conducted by the devil; so cats were burnt to prevent this; ); eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright
Media ID 23811614
© Archives Charmet / Bridgeman Images
Cruelty Festivity Stake Superstition Superstitious Festivities Pagan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This and haunting image captures a dark chapter in history, as cats are thrown into a bonfire during the night of the summer solstice in Place de Greve, Paris. The illustration, created by Job (pseudonym for Onfray de Breville), is part of Le Bon Roi Henri by Abel Hermant and dates back to around 1900. The scene depicts a crowd gathered to witness this cruel act, which was believed to be necessary to prevent cats from participating in a great sabbath conducted by the devil on June 22nd, the summer solstice. This superstitious belief led to countless innocent feline lives being sacrificed through burning. The engraving showcases not only the cruelty inflicted upon these animals but also highlights the superstitions and pagan traditions that were prevalent during that time. It serves as a reminder of how fear and ignorance can lead people to commit acts of violence against creatures they do not understand. Despite its disturbing subject matter, this image offers an opportunity for reflection on our past actions and serves as a stark contrast between ancient beliefs and our modern understanding of animal welfare. It stands as both a testament to human folly and an important historical document shedding light on cultural practices long abandoned. As we gaze upon this print from Fine Art Finder, let us remember that progress lies not only in technological advancements but also in our ability to learn from past mistakes and treat all living beings with compassion.
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