Dutch artist around 1580-1600, circle of Jacob de Backer, Allegory of the Reborn Man

67 × 52 cm
Oil on wood

A naked boy, dressed only in a green cloak, sits on a stone block with his right arm resting on the hilt of a large sword. The sole of the right foot rests on the book, the left foot is over the right. The head is turned to the right where the dove of the Holy Spirit hovers. The elegant and complicated posture is reminiscent of Michelangelo's ignudi, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. A ruffled green curtain frames the scene at the top left. The remains of the letters are preserved on the left under the book: SA… The composition has survived in various versions, some of which differ in style. The current version is of good quality and could come from the circle of Jacob de Backer, who was active in Antwerp in the last quarter of the 16th century and painted allegories.