The Spanish artist Montoya was executed yesterday on the
orders of King Carlos II who - it is alleged - found the ageing
artist's recently commissioned portrait of his second wife Queen
Isabella so morbidly offensive that he had the canvas incinerated
and gave orders for Montoya's immediate arrest. Last night,
supporters of the extremely popular artist surrounded the Royal
Palace high in the Spanish Pyrenees to appeal for his release
unaware that he had been lynched earlier that day.

Montoya had declined the opportunity to apologise before his
execution, but had - according to a servant who witnessed the
artist's final moments - removed a paintbrush from his sleeve,
turned to face the King and proudly declared: 'This is the brush
that spoke the truth.’