'The Spanish Fury'. Oil Painting Painted by Aimé Pez. Belgium, 1830

Amazing oil painting on canvas performed by the Belgiam artist Aimé Pez (1808-1849) in 1830 and in excellent condition. The picture depicts a dark episode of the Spanish history its title, The Spanish Fury, is the name given to the famous Sack of Antwerp that took place in 1576. The painting is skillfully performed and shows the tragic event through an intelligent use of the chiaroscuro, the color and the stroke. The painting anticipates the impressionist school, some of whose features (free stroke, unreal colors, immediacy) are clearly shown. The Sack of Antwerp started from the discontent of the Spanish troops that remained in Flanders. The soldiers had been without salary for more than two years and lived on looting cities. On November 4th, 1956 the Flemish soldiers revolted against the occupying forces and marched into Antwerp, besieging the castle where the Spanish soldiers resisted under the leadership of Sancho Dávila. Then, other Spanish forces came to help Davila and entered the city. Antwerp was fired by the Flemish, but they were repressed by the Spanish soldiers in spite of their numerical superiority. Afterwards, the city was looted by the Spanish for three days and there were thousands of deaths among the civilians. The consequences were immediate: only four days after, the Pacification of Ghent was signed and the Spanish troops had to abandon the Netherlands. The picture depicts a scene that could easily have taken place in the streets of the Belgian city. The wonderful use of the contrast between lights and shadows achieved by the painter is truly remarkable: he creates a bright focus in the center of the picture, where the citizens resist the soldiers attack. This moment is depicted with realism and rawness, and with a great attention to detail. The background shows the influence of great artists of the period such as William Turner. This pictures beauty and ancient age turn it into a reference work that will surely be appreciated by great art lovers. Measurements: Width: 39.3 in / 100 cm. Height: 31.8 in / 81 cm.