Jun 22
José Casado del Alisal (Spanish, 1832-1886) The Legend of the Monk King, 1880 Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid
Traditionally known as The Bell of Huesca, this painting depicts one of the most terrifying events in the history of Medieval Spain. Ramiro II of Aragon decapitated all the noblemen who had dared to challenge his royal power, one by one. As he had promised to make a bell that would ring to reaffirm his power, he did so with the heads of the rebel noblemen. For the clapper, he used the head of the Archbishop responsible for the failed conspiracy. This painting shows the exact moment when the monarch shows his work to the rest of the court.
