Les Vêpres siciliennes (1282)

This painting depicts the Sicilian Vespers of 1282, a popular uprising that broke out in Palermo against Angevin rule, which was linked to the French crown. Triggered by an incident involving French soldiers, the revolt quickly spread across the island and led to the massacre of the occupiers. This event marked the beginning of a major conflict between European powers for control of Sicily. It symbolizes both the violence of medieval uprisings and the limits of French expansion in the Mediterranean.