Antwerp School (XVI-XVII) - Double-sided painting. The Adoration of the Shepherds and The Sacrifice of Isaac.

Antwerp School (Late 16th - Early 17th century). Circa 1590–1610
The Adoration of the Shepherds (Recto) / The Sacrifice of Isaac (Verso)
Oil on panel, double-sided. 48 x 17 cm (+ frame)
Ebonized profile frame with gilt liner and brass attribution plaque.

This double-sided oil on panel is the surviving wing of a late Renaissance or early Baroque triptych from the circle of the Antwerp School. Conceptually unified, the two compositions employ Counter-Reformation typology, presenting the Old Testament sacrifice on the reverse as a dramatic prefiguration of Christ’s Nativity and ultimate passion on the front.

Recto: Depicts the Adoration of the Shepherds. At the center, the Virgin Mary lifts a veil to reveal the illuminated infant Jesus, flanked by devout shepherds and angels. Above, a choir of putti holds a banderole inscribed with the Latin hymn "Gloria in excelsis Deo...". The dense composition and strong chiaroscuro are hallmarks of Flemish Counter-Reformation art.

Verso : Features The Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) rendered in monochrome brunaille/grisaille. It captures Abraham with a raised blade over the kneeling Isaac, while a divine angel intervenes in the weathered upper section.

The iconographic pairing follows strict liturgical function. Depending on the calendar, the altar remained closed to show the Old Testament prophecy on the exterior, or opened to reveal the New Testament fulfillment on the interior.

The wooden support is original and stable. The reverse shows historical mounting marks (hinge recesses) alongside age-appropriate paint loss and patina from its function as an outer protective shutter. The recto retains excellent color depth and a stable, historic craquelure.

Provenance: Private collection, Belgium.