Pierre Henri Révoil and Michel Philibert Genod – Pharamond (Faramund) Proclaimed King after Pillaging the City of Trier in 420 (417), Carried on the Shield Château de Versailles

The composition presents a scene of tumultuous transition and nascent authority. Here we observe a throng of figures gathered amidst what appears to be the aftermath of a violent event – a citys sacking is implied by the scattered debris and the presence of weaponry. A central figure, presumably the newly proclaimed ruler, stands elevated on a makeshift platform constructed from upturned shields. He gestures skyward with one arm while holding aloft a spear or scepter in the other, embodying an assertion of power and divine sanction.
The artist has employed a dramatic use of light to highlight this individual; he is bathed in a warm glow that contrasts sharply with the cooler tones enveloping the surrounding crowd. This visual emphasis reinforces his position as the focal point of the narrative. The red cloak draped over his shoulders adds further prominence, drawing the eye and suggesting royalty or leadership.
The assembled group displays a range of emotions – a mixture of awe, anticipation, and perhaps even apprehension. Many are armed with swords, axes, and shields, indicating their participation in the preceding conflict. A child stands near the central figure, possibly symbolizing the future dynasty or the promise of continuity.
To the right of the composition, an older man clad in white robes observes the proceedings. He carries a staff and appears to be a cleric or religious figure, suggesting a potential legitimization of the new ruler’s claim through spiritual authority. The presence of this individual introduces a layer of complexity; it hints at the intersection of secular power and religious endorsement during this period of upheaval.
The background is dominated by tents and a distant landscape under a pale sky, establishing a sense of scale and suggesting that this event marks not just a local change but potentially a broader shift in political order. The overall effect is one of chaotic energy tempered by the nascent structure of authority – a moment frozen between destruction and the establishment of a new regime. The painting seems to explore themes of legitimacy, violence, and the construction of power through both military might and religious sanction.