1-156-672 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Suppression of religious orders during the French Revolution, late 18th century. A Capuchin Friar disposing of his habit to a Jewish second-hand clothes dealer. In 1790 the National Assembly passed an act, the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which made the Roman Catholic Church in France subordinate to the state. There was widespread opposition to the measure, and when the Assembly ordered the clergy to take an oath in support of the Civil Constitution, many refused.