Here's why this misconception is likely false:
* Historical accounts: No contemporary accounts from eyewitnesses mention drums being beaten during Louis XVI's execution. The accounts focus on the solemnity and quiet of the event, with the only sound being the executioner's axe and the king's last words.
* Purpose of drums: Drums were typically used in military formations to signal orders and coordinate movements. Using drums during an execution would be inappropriate and disrespectful, especially considering the sensitive nature of the event.
* Political context: The French Revolution was a period of great upheaval and political tension. The execution of the king was a highly symbolic event, and the authorities would have been careful to control the narrative surrounding it.
While drums were used in various ways throughout the French Revolution, there is no evidence to suggest they were used during the execution of Louis XVI.
It's possible that the misconception arose from artistic interpretations of the event that sought to heighten the drama. However, it's important to rely on historical evidence when understanding such events.