[belgium Antwerp Antwerpen] Oil On Panel: Hanging Scene. Antwerp School, 17th Century.

Oil on wood panel. Antwerp School, 17th century. Parquet back. Dimensions: 643 x 458 mm. A striking composition reminiscent of Frans Francken's work originally titled *The Cruelties of the Duke of Alba*, later renamed *The Hangings of the Duke of Alba in Flanders*. The work depicts a tragic episode in Flemish history during which the Duke of Alba, then governor of the Netherlands acting on behalf of Philip II, King of Spain, persecuted Protestants and resorted to torture against representatives of the radical Calvinist movement known as the "Iconoclastic Fury," which, from 1566 onward, had begun to affect numerous Dutch cities and provinces. To this end, the Duke of Alba established an exceptional tribunal, the Council of Troubles, which displayed such severity that it was nicknamed the "Council of Blood" (Bloedraad). The scene The image here depicts two individuals about to be hanged. In the center, one receives the last rites from the priest after discarding his belongings, which are scattered on the ground. On the left, the execution is even closer. The figure, who appears to be a woman, holding a crucifix, perched on a ladder, casts a final, imploring glance at the executioner, who carries out the task relentlessly: legs already protrude from the fireplace, whose lintel is adorned with a painted landscape. At the far left, scattered on a table, are the condemned men's valuables. On the right, a window offers a view of Antwerp Cathedral. The square, teeming with figures, is also the scene of a hanging: a gallows has been erected there. There are some discreet, scattered superficial alterations (mainly visible due to glare). The edges are worn. There is a small, superficial loss affecting the lower right corner. Beginning of central crack; formerly as skillfully filled.