The Château de Versailles shares the suffering, grief and misfortune that have struck the people of Haiti. The portrait of Jean-Baptiste Belley, which forms part of the collections of Versailles, has been placed symbolically in the upper vestibule of the Chapel with a text recalling the tragedy that Haiti is enduring and inviting visitors to show their generosity. Jean-Baptiste Belley was elected in 1793 as deputy for the island of Haiti-Santo Domingo, still French at this time, at the National Convention in Paris which abolished slavery on 16 pluviôse an II (4 February 1794). So he was a true hero of liberty, equality and fraternity. He belongs to the shared history of the French people and the Haitian people.

More information :

Jean-Baptiste Belley biography and the notice of Anne-Louis Girodet's painting [In French]

Jean-Baptiste Belley painted by Anne-Louis Girodet in 1797 has been placed symbolically in the upper vestibule of the Chapel of the château de Versailles in homage and support to the people of Haiti.

© EPV/ Didier Saulnier