The Battle of the Golden Spurs, 1895

On 11 July 1302, Courtrai was threatened by a large French force, supported by mercenaries from various countries. The Flemings fought with a hastily assembled militia who had erected their lines (left in the picture) to defend the town of Courtrai, whose towers and ramparts are visible in the distance. The Flemings carried a banner with the lion of Flanders. In the distance (on the right map), the French horsemen come speeding along on their horses, while in the middle a true slaughter takes place. Fighters with and without horses are stabbed, while their body parts are scattered all over the battlefield. Completely contrary to expectations, the troops defending Courtrai gained a victory on the approaching enemy, who did not seem prepared for the obstinate resistance of the Flemings. The print 'The Battle of the Golden Spurs' is one of Ensor's most successful mass scenes. It is based on the chalk drawing of the same name from 1891 (Brussels, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, inv. 4191).