The painting depicts the aftermath of the excommunication of Robert II of France by Pope Gregory V for refusing to separate from his wife, Bertha of Burgundy, who was related to him within the prohibited degrees of kinship. The scene sets in a dimly lit medieval throne room immediately after the papal envoys have pronounced the sentence of excommunication and begun to depart. On the right side of the composition is the departing clergy while Robert and Bertha are in the foreground overwhelmed with despair. Robert looks visibly shattered because his sceptre that signifies his authority, is lying abandoned on the floor. An extinguished ceremonial candle is emitting a thin trail of smoke nearby. This detail refers to the ritual of excommunication, in which a candle was snuffed out to symbolize spiritual separation from the Church. The vast and sparsely furnished hall reflects a sense of loneliness and abandonment. Robert abd Bertha are portrayed as a star crossed lovers who are caught between their affection for one another and the authority of the medieval Church. Laurens was known for his historical paintings and his critical view of religious intolernce. His painting explores themes of conscience, duty, and human suffering.
The painting excommunication of Robert the Pious is a masterpiece of Laurens, who has a strong hatred towards religious intolerance in any form. Therefore, he depicted the scene of excommunication of Robert for being seen romantically involved with his beloved, which is strictly against the church laws. Therefore, the pope and the church authorities ordered his excommunication for violating the laws. Hence his beloved and Robert are seen entangling with each other on the royal throne and the ceremonial candle blows infront of them, leaving thin smoke, highlighting the end of his rule and elimination of his responsibilities from the royal front.
