The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis

is a significant historical painting by the Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, created around 1661-1662. Here are some key points about the artwork:

Commission and Context

The painting was commissioned by the Amsterdam city council for the new Town Hall (now the Royal Palace) as part of a series of works depicting themes related to Dutch history. The project was initially overseen by the poet Joost van den Vondel, and after the death of Govert Flinck, Rembrandt was among the artists tasked with completing the project.

Subject Matter

The painting is based on an episode from the Batavian rebellion against the Roman Empire, as described in Tacitus's Histories, Book IV. It depicts Claudius Civilis (also known as Julius Civilis), the one-eyed leader of the Batavians, gathering the tribal chiefs and other brave warriors in a sacred grove under the pretext of a banquet. There, he convinces them to join the rebellion and binds them with oaths and barbarous rites.

Composition and Style

Originally, the painting was enormous, measuring about 5 by 5 meters in the shape of a lunette. It featured a large empty foreground and a raised dais with the conspirators, along with a huge vault above them. However, the painting was later reduced to about 2 by 3 meters, focusing primarily on Claudius Civilis and his key conspirators at the table. The composition is characteristic of Rembrandt's dramatic Baroque style, with a central light source and strong contrasts between light and dark. The painting also features Rembrandt's distinctive wild brushwork and primitive forms, which were designed to evoke the archaic and barbarous atmosphere of the scene.

Removal and Current Status

The painting was briefly displayed in the Amsterdam town hall in 1662 but was soon removed. One reason for its removal might have been the crown on Claudius Civilis's head and his dominant position in the scene, which did not align with the republican values of the time. Today, the reduced version of the painting is valued highly for its dramatic and powerful depiction of the historical event.

Historical Significance

For Rembrandt's contemporaries, the Batavian rebellion was seen as a precursor to the Dutch struggle for independence, particularly the 16th-century wars led by William of Orange. This historical parallel added to the painting's significance and relevance in the 17th century.