3-016-380 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Presentation of the Captain General's Baton to Antonio Moncada by the Queen Regent Blanca of Sicily in 1410, 1664. As in the previous scene, the events take place in an interior, but here the solemn event is witnessed by a large group of prelates and other dignitaries gathered before the queen’s throne. In this case Van Kessel decorated his border with putti and numerous objects and instruments relating to war, including coats-of-arms, lances, swords, arrows and standards, as well as various military musical instruments such as drums and trumpets. Van Kessel framed the scenes at the sides with pilasters and two busts symbolising Justice and Liberalitas Regis.