Inspired by the centuries growing radical idea and the financial conditions of the poor, the French Revolution from 1789 until 1799 saw the end of absolute monarchy in France, the terror of the guillotine, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and a global conflict  that extended from the Caribbean to the Middle East. These headless portraits testify to the juxtaposition of ideals and brutality seen during the period.

Georges Jacques Danton (26 October 1759 – 5 April 1794) was a leading figure in the early stages of the French Revolution, considered as the main force behind the overthrow of the monarchy. After the execution of King Louis XVI had been carried out, he is reported to have cried out "The kings of Europe would dare challenge us? We throw them the head of a king!" Accused of counter-revolutionary activities at the end of the ‘Reign of Terror’ (1793–1794) he was guillotined on April 5th 1794.