The Prussians settle themselves in Saint-Severin church, using the font as a wash-basin

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The Prussians settle themselves in Saint-Severin church, using the font as a wash-basin

The Prussians settle themselves in Saint-Severin church, using the font as a wash-basin, the altar as a food-store... Date: 1-3 March 1871

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Media ID 20952079

© Mary Evans Picture Library

1871 Altar Basin Font Franco Prussian Prussians Settle Severin Store Wash

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures a poignant moment during the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, specifically on the 1-3 March 1871, when the Prussian soldiers occupied the hallowed grounds of Saint-Severin church in Paris. The once sacred space was now repurposed as a temporary shelter and living quarters for the weary soldiers. In this photograph, Prussian soldiers are seen gathered around the church's font, using it as a makeshift washbasin. The altar, a symbol of reverence and spirituality, now serves as a food store, with provisions piled high upon it. The once ornate and intricately designed church interiors have been transformed into a makeshift camp, with soldiers huddled around fires and using pews as beds. The image is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of war and the disruption it brings to the fabric of society. The Prussians, victors in the conflict, were now settling themselves in the heart of their enemy's capital, using sacred spaces for mundane and practical purposes. The desecration of the church, though necessary for the soldiers' survival, adds to the sense of loss and disillusionment felt by the Parisian population during this tumultuous time. The photograph, taken during the occupation of Paris, provides a glimpse into the raw and unfiltered realities of war and its impact on the civilian population. It is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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