Tableau Central Des Opinions Et De L'education Publique, Ou DéVeloppement Du Spectacle De La Nature, De L'unité Et De La Trinité De Son Principe, Et L'accord De La Philosophie Avec La Religion. Chevret, Jean.

A striking presentation of Chevret's Deistic theological system, intended as a new religion for Revolutionary France. The table presents Chevret's view of the universe, uniting physics, religion, metaphysics, and political principles. New Testament quotations link with astronomical calculations and the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers including Newton, Descartes, and Voltaire. The sun embodies the divine spirit, and God as creator is celebrated alongside the principle of liberty. Jean Chevret (1747-1820) was librarian at the Bibliothèque du Roi and then the Bibliothèque nationale from 1765 onwards. With the revolution, he began to promote radical reform and published various works to that end. His table was presented to the National Assembly on 18 July 1791 and gained some support, even if it was never fully adopted by the revolutionary regime. Copper engraving with original hand colour, 550 x 410 mm. Short closed tear in centre, light staining to extreme bottom fore corner, old mount residue on verso corners. In excellent condition.