Jean-Baptiste Hilair (1753–1822), Panthéon Français, 1794–1795

This watercolour drawing represents the French Panthéon a few years after its opening. It was intended as the church of the Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève and it was built between 1764 and 1790 on the commission of King Louis XV (1710–1764). After its completion, the building was declared France's national hall of fame. Up to the present, it has served as the burial place of famous French personalities, including Voltaire (1694–1778), Victor Hugo (1802–1885) and Marie Curie (1867–1934), who was the first woman to be honoured in the Panthéon for her achievements.

Jean-Baptiste Hilair (1753–1822), Panthéon Français, pen and drawing ink on paper, watercolour, 25 cm x 37,7 cm, 1794–1795; source: Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Estampes et photographie, RESERVE FOL-VE-53 (H), https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b103034772/f1.item, public domain.