The Harrowing of Hell

Pieter Huys became a master in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke in 1545. His style and choice of subject matter were influenced by the popularity of Hieronymous Bosch (c. 1450-1516), which continued well into the second half of the sixteenth century; Huys's figures, however, are more lifelike and painted with thicker brushstrokes. In terms of composition the present picture - with its winding, receding planes of fantastical figures punctuated by an arched bridge and towers set against skies swarming with creatures - echoes that of Huys's Temptation of Saint Anthony, signed and dated 1547, in the Louvre. Only four signed and dated works by Huys are known to exist.