This print is an illustration to a group of prints depicting events during the French Revolution. The prints with accompanying text were originally sold separately between 1791-4, then were issued as a set of three bound volumes 'Collection complète des tableaux historiques de la révolution française' in 1804. The authors of the work were all actively involved in the early stages of the revolution.

This scene shows a riot in the Faubourg St Antoine. Disturbances broke out after rumours that a wallpaper manufacturer called Reveillon had suggested that workers take lower wages. Although this was untrue, emotions were high in the capital that was suffering from lack of money and famine, so a crowd set about attacking the factory. This was one of the first violent outpourings of what became the revolution. The Gardes Françaises and Royal guards were called upon to restore the peace, shooting at the protesters, who responded by throwing pieces of masonry at the guards.