Fragment of ‘The Fall’ (Flanders, 16th century)

Well, this is a special one…. Throughout the past six centuries this painting has suffered so much and less talented hands have interfered in some parts at the borders a few hundred years ago (shady red figure on the left etc) but my God … look at the central figure: what an expression, how joyfully elegant and delicate does he stand amidst all that colourful turmoil, all those lacunae and addenda. He has become a timeless dancer moving across time and space. He does not seem affected by all the chaos that surrounds him. So rather than to strip everything round him away and to try to restore the painting ‘as it was’, we chose to let him be. Simply because it suits him so well….
Probably a fragment of ‘The Fall’, on a (Baltic) oak panel. A joyful sinner. Influenced by Flemish masters. Two illegible wax seals (green and red) on the back.
Classify under ‘Abstract Renaissance’.
Overall wear and losses, some small 18th century additions, minor restoration to the wood in upper left corner. Dimensions 28x23,5cm. No frame.