Bloodless Coup

Portraying the Triumph of Realism, and Upending Nationalist Sensibilities

This is an interesting little feature on a painting puchased by the Northern Ireland government over 70 years ago. It seems some were most displeased to find that the ancient canvas represented not only William III's triumphant arrival in Ireland, but also Pope Innocent XI's alliance with the Protestant king. This led to it being vandalized, and after that it's exact whereabouts were unknown for almost forty years.