LSE4111554 The phoenix reborn from his ashes. The phoenix is the encyclopedia of Voltaire, Rousseau and 18th century philosophers. All around the butcher, on which the works of the encyclopedists burn, donkeys symbolizing the spirit of reaction, turns in circles. by Unknown artist, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The phoenix reborn from his ashes. The phoenix is the encyclopedia of Voltaire, Rousseau and 18th century philosophers. All around the butcher, on which the works of the encyclopedists burn, donkeys symbolizing the spirit of reaction, turns in circles.); Photo by Leonard de Selva; out of copyright.