« Selon le droit de nature, chacun doit naître franc »

This illustration refers to the ordinance of King Louis X of France declaring that “according to natural law, each person should be born free.” Through this measure, the king allowed serfs of the royal domain to obtain their freedom in exchange for payment. This decision marked an important development in medieval society, asserting a principle of individual freedom while also serving the fiscal interests of royal power. It illustrates the social and economic transformations of the early 14th century.