barryqwalsh
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- Sep 30, 2014
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The painting by Dutch artist Pieter van der Meulen
The historic but deeply controversial work by Dutch artist Pieter van der Meulen was bought by the then unionist government in the 1930s.
It apparently depicts William of Orange atop a white horse heading to the Battle of the Boyne.
But the canvas was rarely seen after unionists discovered it also shows the Pope - resting on a cloud - bestowing a blessing.
After being physically attacked for its "papist" inferences, the painting was stored out of sight for nearly half-a-century.
Painting of Pope blessing King Billy shunned in shame but now SDLP man wants it to take pride of place up on Hill - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
