La séparation de Robert le Pieux et Berthe

This painting depicts the separation of King Robert II of France, known as Robert the Pious, and Bertha of Burgundy at the end of the 10th century. Their marriage, deemed unlawful by the Church due to close kinship, led to the king’s excommunication. Forced by religious authorities, Robert had to separate from Bertha. The scene illustrates the power of the medieval Church, capable of imposing its rules even on kings. This episode highlights the tensions between spiritual and royal power in the formation of the Kingdom of France.