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Marianne
Marianne appears during the French Revolution to represent the Republic. Over time, she becomes an official symbol of the Republic.
Key points of the sheet
- Marianne is a popular female first name. It shows that the Republic is founded on the will of the people and on democracy.
- Marianne wears the Phrygian cap (bonnet phrygien). Slaves in Antiquity who had regained their freedom wore this cap.
- Marianne is also a visual reference to represent France and its people. She appears on stamps, coins, posters, in films and in caricatures.
- From the 1960s, French actresses often represent Marianne. This modernises her image and strengthens her place in popular culture.
- The bust of Marianne is present in every town hall (mairie).
- Marianne is on the identity card and on administrative documents, for example the tax return. She is also seen on stamps and coins.
Words to know
- Marianne
- She is a figure born during the French Revolution. She represents the Republic.
- Phrygian cap (bonnet phrygien)
- It is Marianne's cap, like that of freed slaves in Antiquity.
- bust of Marianne (buste de Marianne)
- The bust of Marianne is present in every town hall.
- official symbol (symbole officiel)
- Marianne gradually becomes an official symbol of the Republic.
Test yourself: 3 questions
When does the figure of Marianne appear?
In French, the language of the exam: Quand la figure de Marianne apparaît-elle ?
The figure of Marianne appears during the French Revolution to represent the Republic.
From the 1960s, who often represents Marianne?
In French, the language of the exam: À partir des années 1960, qui représente souvent Marianne ?
From the 1960s, Marianne is often represented by French actresses.
Who does Marianne's Phrygian cap recall?
In French, the language of the exam: Le bonnet phrygien de Marianne rappelle qui ?
Marianne wears the Phrygian cap, like slaves in Antiquity who had regained their freedom.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
- Which of these first names evokes a symbol of the Republic?
- What does Marianne wear on her head?
- Which of these symbols officially represents the French Republic?
- What does Marianne represent?
- Who is Marianne?
- On which document can you see Marianne?
More in this topic (The symbols of the Republic)
Source
Sheet “Marianne” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.