In 1766, François-Jean de la Barre, a young French nobleman, became the focus of a shocking legal case in Abbeville, France, after he was accused of disrespecting a Catholic religious procession. The case became a point of notable contention due to the increasing influence of Enlightenment thinkers, like Voltaire, who criticized the dogma and intolerance of the Church. De la Barre's case was emblematic of the clash between traditional values upheld by the Church and the emerging progressive ideals championed by philosophes of the Enlightenment. When de la Barre allegedly failed to salute the religious procession, he was arrested and faced severe legal repercussions that escalated quickly.

Despite the legal norms of the time, a trial ensued that revealed the judicial biases against those who did not conform to societal and religious expectations. De la Barre was found guilty and subjected to a horrific punishment that included torture, beheading, and the burning of his body on a pyre. In a grotesque turn, a copy of Voltaire's Dictionnaire philosophique was affixed to his body, serving both as a denunciation of his actions and a broader critique of Enlightenment ideals against religious conformity. This act of execution stood as a clear message to those who would dare to challenge the authority of the Church.

This chilling event marked a significant moment in French history, showcasing the extent to which religious authorities would go in order to maintain power and control. The violent nature of de la Barre's punishment and its methodical execution reflected a society grappling with the tensions between the emerging Enlightenment and established religious practices.