When Philip II is no longer recognized as the Low Countries’ sovereign, a new ruler is needed. François, Duke of Anjou, and the brother of the French king, is willing to take on this task. He is officially installed in Antwerp at the beginning of 1582.

Here he is shown riding under a baldachin, approaching a triumphal arch erected in his honour. He solemnly promises to uphold all of the laws, however his regime is doomed to fail.