The Provost of the Merchants Etienne Marcel and the Dauphin Charles

This painting depicts a historical event for Paris and France, from a period after the Hundred Years' War where the nobility was weakened and the wealthy bourgeoisie dominated the town assemblies. In 1355, Etienne Marcel was elected as the Provost of the Merchants for general assemblies. He stood up against large tax levies and demanded their control in exchange for the financial help requested by the Dauphin, Charles. With a threat of civil war, the Dauphin worked against Etienne Marcel, who decided to force his hand. On the morning of February 22 1358, Marcel led some troops to invade the palace of the future king. Charles' two advisers, the Marshals of Champagne and Normandy Jean de Conflans and Robert de Clermont, were accused of poorly serving the crown and were assassinated. Charles must agree to wear the red and blue hood, symbolizing the colors of Paris and the rallying sign of the partisans.