Luther in hell and Calvin in hell

Two exceptional paintings by Heemskerck

The two paintings depict Luther and Calvin who, like monarchs welcomed by their subjects, enter triumphantly into hell, accompanied by their demonic procession, and feel at home there. They thus seem to respond to anti-Catholic engravings which show the triumphal entry of the Roman Church into hell. Painted in London, they were intended for a Dutch community linked to the Catholic party of James Stuart, removed from the English throne in 1701.

Acquisition made thanks to the generosity of the Hempel families and François Micheli and Lorenzo Pedrazzini.

Watch the program dedicated to this treasure @ Point prod / RTS

This manuscript by Admiral Gaspard de Coligny was one of the main Protestant leaders during the wars of religion in ^16th century France.

Return to collection