'Charles 1er'

Photograph of a painting by Paul Delaroche, created in 1836 and first shown in the Paris salon of 1837. This was the salon to which the artist would ever submit his work. Inspired by the final days of Charles I (1600-49), the image depicts the deposed king being taunted by Oliver Cromwell's (1599-1658) guards. Sitting in an armchair placed centrally in an interior space, the king is flanked by intimidating troops. He looks at the soldier leaning against the left armrest, who blows pipe smoke in the king's face. The king appears calm, holding an open book in both hands.