Bathilde rendant la liberté à de jeunes esclaves

This painting depicts Balthild, a Merovingian queen of the 7th century and wife of Clovis II, granting freedom to young slaves. Of humble origin and herself a former slave, Balthild pursued policies against slavery, notably banning the sale of Christian slaves. As regent after her husband’s death, she played an important role in governing the kingdom and promoting Christian values. The scene illustrates a social and moral evolution in Merovingian society.