Etienne Frederic Lignon Engraving

Il seppellimento di atala, da gautherot (the burial of atala, by Gautherot). Atala, a Christian, fell in love with Chactas and saved him from death that he was to undergo as a prisoner. She then fled with him into the deserts of Florida, where they were discovered by the dog of Father Aubry. Her conscience forbade uniting to a man whose worship was not the same as her own and therefore put an end to her life by taking poison. Chactas dug the grave where the body was to rest and accompanied by the Father he carried it to the cemetery of the Indians, under the Arch of Nature's Bridge. The painter Claude Caulherot followed the poet's idea and transferred it to the canvas in a manner that does credit to his talent. The picture was much admired at its appearance in the exhibition which took place in 1802. It has subsequently been engraved by Frederic Lignon, 1779-1833.