A Flemish lead bronze roundel of  'The Demolition of the Citadel of Antwerp by the citizens', attributed to Jacques Jonghelinck (1530-1606), Antwerp , circa 1580. Photo Matthew Barton Ltd

centred by the Citadel portico and showing in the background the remains of the fortifications being dismantled, with small male and female figures clearing rubble behind a cohort of volunteers in the foreground, shovels to their shoulders, marching back to the city led by a drummer and a smaller group to the lower foreground armed with arquebuses, within a laurel leaf border. 18.5cm diameter. Lot 101. Estimate: 2000-3000 €

This roundel is one from a set of six depicting events surrounding the 'Spanish Fury' of 1576. The 'Tericos', mercenaries in the service of the Spanish authorities, had not been paid, following Spain's declaration of bankruptcy. Their consequent rampage through Antwerp in November saw three days of horror: the massacre of over 2500 citizens as the Tericos looted and burnt countless buildings, including the magnificent Town Hall. In August the following year a Netherlandish coalition overthrew the Spanish troops in the Citadel and it was subsequently demolished by the citizenry, as shown in the present roundel.

Five of the subjects, including this scene, are derived from engravings by the Wierix brothers after drawings by Martin de Vos (1532-1603). Four of the drawings can be found in the Ashmolean at Oxford and one at the Metropolitan in New York. The fine detail and modelling of the figures on this series of circular plaquettes has led to the attribution to Jacques Jonghelinck, the medalist and sculptor who was Master of the Mint at this period.

For another lead roundel from this series see Morton & Eden, 14th June 2007, lot 589, and for another two, see Sotheby's, New York, Cyril Humphris Collection, 11th January 1995, lot 324. For a full set of the series in bronze see Victoria & Albert Museum, A33-38/1975.

Literature: Charles Avery, Studies in European Sculpture, London, 1981, pp.133-147; Ingrid Weber, Deutsche, Niederlaendische und Franzoesische Renaissance Plaketten, Munich, 1975, pp.307/8, cat. nos. 709.1/4, pl.195.

Matthew Barton Ltd. Silver, Ceramics, Jewellery, Works of Art and Objects of Vertu.Tuesday, May 22, 2012. London,  25 Blythe Road, W14. Matthew Barton Ltd