The Baptism of Clovis
François-Louis Dejuinne · Domaine public
This painting depicts the baptism of Clovis, King of the Franks, held in Reims around 496 and performed by Bishop Remigius. This event marks a major turning point in the history of Gaul: by adopting Catholic Christianity, Clovis secured the support of the Church and the Gallo-Roman population. This political and religious decision helped unify the kingdom and laid the foundations of the French monarchy. The baptism of Clovis is often considered the founding act of Christian France.