THE MADONNA LIBERATES THE CITY OF VALENCIENNES

Author: Giovanni Carboncino

Dating: 1687-1692

Century: 17th century

Technique: Oil on canvas

Location: Central nave, third right arch (in the plan No. 14)

The theme of the painting concerns the bloody struggle of Catholics against the Huguenots, who had occupied the city of Valenciennes since 1566. In the central register of the scene, characterized by strong dynamism, Catholic soldiers on horseback defeat the enemy army. In the foreground, the bodies of the fallen pile up, while in the background, the sturdy walls and buildings of the besieged city can be seen. At the top, the Madonna appears, accompanied by angels and cherubs, deciding the fate of the conflict.