The Sabine Women (continued):

After reading Women and the Revolution, from “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” it was not surprising that women participated “in every aspect of the French Revolution.” Kiahini and Denise effectively captured the emotion and physicality of David’s painting. Although the role of the women was mainly confined to the home and domesticity, it was in the home where women gave voice to the prevailing social, political, and economical issues primary to the revolution. It was in the home where women created a consciousness for their husband regarding food shortages, inflation, and familial despair. It was the women who led and encouraged their men to join the many demonstrations protesting bread increases. It was the women, “acting collectively,” armed with guns, pikes, swords, who disrupted the National Convention by removing the officials from their “benches” in protest. It was the women who not only agitated, more importantly, served as mediators and conciliators for social equality and resolve.