Author's Note: This scene is from Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. The main character is Jean Valjean, a reformed and saint-like convict, who served 19 years in jail for stealing bread. Throughout the book he rescues several people, all while trying to avoid recapture for breaking parole. Jean is incredibly pious, and is known for being very strong.
The book is set in early 19th century France. In this scene, Jean Valjean carries a wounded young man (Marius) away from a battle. To escape the pursuing soldiers, Jean Valjean carries Marius through the sewers of Paris, eventually finding his way through to safety.
I took my own reference, then painted this in watercolor.