Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the Symbols of the Revolution. Rousseau represented as the author of the Social Contract and the philosopher who promoted the regeneration of natural sentiments and values against the corrupting influences of urban society. The eye of vigilence is a symbol from the Free Mason movement, to which many revolutionary leaders belonged. Other symbols are those of the French Republic: the tri-color flags above the principles of “Love of County” and “French Republic;” an altar dedicated to the rights of man and garded by a soldier and a canon; the fisc of pikes surmounted by the red bonnet and adjacent to the tree of Liberty. The rising, glowing light in the foreground suggest the regeneration of social justice; two figures hand in hand represent the sign of unity, while a dog, symbol of faithfulness, and a horn of plenty complete the picture. Painting by D. Jeaurat, c. 1794