The Sack of Antwerp, 1576

The sack of Antwerp (4-7th November 1576) was committed by mixed bodies of mutinous troops in the Spanish service. They destroyed 600 houses and killed 8000 people. Antwerp was at the time the largest city in the Netherlands. This was one of the central events of the revolt of the Netherlands and one of the worst atrocities of the 16th Century.

On the right hand-side of the painting is a plinth on which the initials SPQA are carved where the A signifies Antwerp - instead of Rome. Above them is the symbol of Antwerp itself - a castle with outstretched hands above.