Lot 118
Louis Gallait(Belgian, 1810-1887)The Oath of Vargas
6 – 16 July 2025, 12:00 EDT
Online, Skinner Marlborough, MassachusettsSold for US$2,048 inc. premium
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Carly Babione
Department Director
Louis Gallait (Belgian, 1810-1887)
The Oath of Vargas
signed and dated 'Louis Gallait 1856' (lower left); attributed on a presentation plaque; inscribed 'Belmont' (on the reverse)
oil on panel
63.0 x 79.0 cm (24 13/16 x 31 1/8 in).
framed 74.0 x 89.5 x 5.0 cm (29 1/8 x 35 1/4 x 1 15/16 in).
signed and dated 'Louis Gallait 1856' (lower left); attributed on a presentation plaque; inscribed 'Belmont' (on the reverse)
oil on panel
63.0 x 79.0 cm (24 13/16 x 31 1/8 in).
framed 74.0 x 89.5 x 5.0 cm (29 1/8 x 35 1/4 x 1 15/16 in).
Footnotes
Provenance
The Estate of Eleanor Robeson Belmont, New York.
The present private collection (by descent from the previous, 1979).
N.B.
The present work depicts an infamous moment of colonial and anti-Protestant history. Juan de Vargas (1517-circa 1575/80), in red, stands before Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alva (1508-83). In 1567, at the start of the Eighty Years' War (or Dutch Revolt), Alva was tasked by Philip II of Spain with extinguishing any opposition to Spanish rule in the Netherlands. The ensuing struggle made Alva notorious for the oppression and brutality, particularly against Protestants, with which he enacted his aims. Here, Vargas swears loyalty to Alva's anti-Protestant mission and vows to establish the Council of Troubles (known also as the Council of Blood) to extirpate all efforts for Dutch independence. Dominican friars look on in the background.
Gallait painted at least two other versions of this subject. A very similar composition dated one year later (perhaps a second version of the present work) was sold at Christie's Royaumont Abbey Palace sale on September 19, 2011, lot 651. Another version is held at the Wallace Collection and is dated 1835 (P308).
OVERALL CONDITION: Under UV examination, there are some scattered small spots of retouch along the upper edge. There is very fine craquelure throughout. There is surface grime and grime and darkening to the varnish layer. There appears to be some blooming to the varnish layer. The painting could benefit from a gentle cleaning. Additional images are available upon request.
This condition report is provided for your convenience based on the opinion of our cataloguers. It is not a comprehensive condition report and if you require more detailed information, please contact us. Lots are sold on an 'as is' basis, with all faults and imperfections.
