KREMER Petrus

Superb historical scene depicting the Duke of Alba surrendering the order of arrest and execution of the Counts of Egmont and Hornes. Beautiful large room with Renaissance fireplace and on the back wall a statue of St. James. Through the window, we can see the Brussels City Hall and its Saint-Michel. Several characters surround the Duke, including a cardinal kneeling, a page and a script. At the back, soldiers. Oil on canvas, signed and dated 1872 with the mention “Antwerpen”. Antique frame.

Size: H 112cm x W 98cm – H 140cm x W 125cm

Belgian school.

In the 16th century, the southern Netherlands are under Spanish occupation and its king, the very Catholic Philip II. In 1567, when the Duke of Alba, governor of the provinces of the Netherlands, made his way to Brussels, William of Orange escaped from the city, as well as more than 100,000 Protestants, and advised Count Egmont and Count Hornes to do the same. The two statesmen won’t do so, still hoping for peace. When the Duke of Alba sets up the” Council of the troubles”, he arrests two counts. They will be sentenced to death, although they are not Protestants. They will both be beheaded June 5, 1568 in Brussels, on the Grand Place. This event marks the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War, which allows the Northern Provinces (the current Netherlands) to gain independence.

Lit: Kremer, born in Antwerp, is a painter of historical and religious scenes, still lifes and genre scenes. He is a pupil of G. Herreyns and M. Van Brée at the academy of Antwerp. He travelled in Germany, Italy and France, where he studies the old masters. He perfectionates his technique in Paris? Works in the museums of Bruges, Montréal and the British Museum.