The Great Seal is not merely an official stamp for legal documents but a representation of the Republic's highest aspirations. It conveys the message that France, governed by the rule of law and the will of its people, is committed to upholding these principles in every act of state. The reverse side of the seal, while less visible, serves as a profound reminder of the ideals that continue to shape the French nation.

The Great Seal features several prominent symbols with rich historical significance, serving as an emblem of the French State and its values. 

Design and Symbolism

At the center, the seal is inscribed with the words "AU NOM DU PEUPLE FRANÇAIS" which translates to "In the name of the French people." This phrase underscores the democratic principle that power and authority in France derive from the citizens.

The phrase "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," or "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" in French, is the national motto of France, and it encapsulates the ideals of the French Republic. Here's a detailed description of these elements:

• Liberty (Liberté): This term signifies freedom and the right to live one’s life without restrictions as long as others are not harmed. The concept of liberty is deeply rooted in French history and was a driving force during the French Revolution.

• Equality (Égalité): This stands for the equal treatment of all citizens before the law and the belief that no individual or group has inherent privileges that place them above others. It is a commitment to fairness and social justice.

• Fraternity (Fraternité): This represents brotherhood, solidarity, and the support that members of a society extend to one another. It is a call for collective harmony and unity among the French people.

Together, these three words form a tripartite motto that has been an integral part of France's heritage since the French Revolution. They reflect the revolutionary ideals that were intended to guide the conduct of the French government and its citizens. As symbols on the Great Seal of France, they reiterate these core principles on an emblem that is used for the most formal acts of the French state, such as the promulgation of laws and important decrees. The inclusion of the motto on the reverse side of the Great Seal serves as a constant reminder of the values that are to be upheld by the French Republic.

The reverse of the Great Seal also depicts a fasces, an ancient Roman symbol consisting of a bundle of rods bound together around an axe. The fasces symbolize the power of magistrates in the Roman Republic and are often associated with the concept of justice and the authority of the state. In the context of the French Republic, it represents the unity and indivisibility of the Republic.

Surrounding the fasces are two branches, an olive branch on the left, which traditionally symbolizes peace, and an oak branch on the right, which is often associated with strength and endurance. The inclusion of these two branches suggests a balance between peace and the strength of the Republic.

At the very top and bottom of the seal, small five-pointed stars can be seen, which may represent enlightenment and guidance, reflecting the values of the Age of Enlightenment that significantly influenced the French Revolution.

Conclusion

The design of the Great Seal of France encapsulates the Republic's commitment to its foundational principles of democracy, justice, and the enduring spirit of the French nation. It is an important symbol used in various official capacities, including the sealing of important state documents.