James Ensor

James Ensor is apparently not insensitive to the patriotic rhetoric of the 19th century and, like many other painters, will deal with various nationalistic themes. His portrait of Philip II in Hell dates from 1891, the etching from 1893. Ensor clarifies with the subtitle that it concerns an auto-da-fé, a solemn execution of heretics by the Spanish Inquisition. He draws such an event as it was described in the 19th century: heretics in grey linen tunic, with a cardboard pointed hat on their head, are led to the stake. Their garments were decorated with demons and flames.