Étienne Marcel protège le dauphin

This illustration depicts Étienne Marcel, provost of the merchants of Paris, protecting the dauphin Charles (future Charles V) during the unrest of 1358. In a context of political and social crisis, marked by the Hundred Years' War and urban tensions, Marcel plays an ambiguous role between defending royal authority and supporting the demands of the Parisian bourgeoisie. The scene illustrates the violence of urban revolts and the fragility of monarchical power in the face of popular movements.