In that famous painting, Delacroix is depicting an uprising against King Charles X and his government that took place in Paris in July of 1830. As a result of that revolt, the king was eventually overthrown and succeeded by Louis Philippe, Duke of Orléans. In spite of its current universal value and popularity, the painting was severely rejected when Delacroix first exhibited it; it caused a great scandal. Therefore, and even though it had indirectly contributed to Louis Philippe's accession to power, it was hidden from the public view.
