Bare-breasted, silver-painted ‘Mariannes’ confront police in Paris

The silent demonstration has been somewhat shrouded in mystery. The women haven’t been confirmed to be from the infamous FEMEN movement or from any other group. Yet people on social media noted that they added a scent of creativity to the French rallies. “I adore these Mariannes,” one person tweeted.

Marianne, the Goddess of Liberty, is a national symbol of the French Republic which stands opposed to the monarchy and champions freedom and democracy. She is depicted as an embodiment of liberty leading the people over the barricades in the iconic Eugene Delacroix’s painting.