Anonymous Flemish artist, Satirical Diptych, early 16th century, oil on panel. Université de Liège
When a diptych warns you not to open it, you’d be wise to obey!
The panel below is what one would see when today’s diptych is closed. The grinning gent holds a scroll that warns, “Leave this panel closed, otherwise you’ll be angry with me.”
Anonymous Flemish artist, Satirical Diptych, early 16th century, oil on panel. Université de Liège
Upon opening the diptych, the viewer is greeted with an unpleasant sight: an ass shot of the cheeky bastard from the closed panel and opposite it, a fool who makes a hilarious gesture, mocking the viewer’s disobedience.
Anonymous Flemish artist, Satirical Diptych, early 16th century, oil on panel. Université de Liège
A scroll on the full-moon panel declares, “It’s not my fault because I warned you in advance!” On the right panel, another scroll proclaims, “Moreover, we wanted to warn you so you wouldn’t jump out the window!”
The thistle protruding from the flasher’s undies is a symbol of pain, defense, and misanthropy. The overall meaning behind the diptych’s imagery is not entirely certain but there’s no doubt that the artist and patron intended the piece to be humorous and moralizing. I always read a rule-breaking theme into the painting… Enjoy and go break some rules this weekend (but be mindful of the consequences)!
Anonymous Flemish artist, Satirical Diptych, early 16th century, oil on panel. Université de Liège
