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Notes
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This is one of the earliest paintings in the collection and is in a northern European tradition which introduces elements of the grotesque. Set in a seascape and landscape, the forces of good and evil are engaged in a struggle. This is enacted through a direct representation of the biblical story of the fall of Lucifer and through the battles portrayed in the bottom right between the ships and on land. The ships fire at each other and on the land a battle is under way between the troops on the shoreline, some of which are mounted. There are the contrasts between light and dark, good and evil, peace and war and some figures wear light clothes and some dark, indicating the spiritual battle between the forces of light and dark. In Christian belief, a fallen angel is the enemy of God and actively promotes evil.
Title
The Fall of Lucifer
Medium
oil on panel
Measurements
H 53.5 x W 42 cm
Accession number
BHC0706
Work type
Painting