Jacques de Molay proclamant son innocence

This illustration depicts Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, proclaiming his innocence in the face of accusations against him. Arrested in 1307 on the orders of King Philip IV of France, he was accused of heresy and subjected to a long trial. Despite confessions obtained under pressure, he later retracted them and maintained his innocence until the end. This episode symbolizes the fall of the Templars and illustrates the growing control of royal power over religious institutions.