Press Release
UNDER TEH SURFACE. Panel paintings and their secrets
DAS Forum, May 21 to November 2, 2025

This exhibition explores the secrets and differences between two panel paintings from our collection: 'Madonna with Cherries' from the workshop of Joos van Cleve (c. 1530), and 'The Holy Family with Angels' (c. 1510) by a previously unknown master. Both are works of early Netherlandish painting from this period, centring on Mary and the infant Jesus – a very common motif in Christian art.

Contemporary evidence from the early 16^(th) century
These 500-year-old panel paintings hold many mysteries. Their depictions are often full of symbols and messages that were self-evident to the people of the time, but which remain hidden to us today. In addition, the centuries have left their mark in the form of damage, restoration and overpainting, raising the question of what is still original and which elements were added later. The original purpose of the works is often unclear: were they altarpieces or private devotional images? Who were the patrons?
One aim of the exhibition is therefore to establish the historical and cultural context of these two works. In doing so, the curators will explore the symbolic meaning of the scenes and their details.

Restoration is a search for clues.
Another focus is the multifaceted work of the restorers, which is clearly explained in the exhibition and primarily serves to preserve the works. Together with Ludmila Henseler, a restorer who has worked with the Draiflessen Collection for many years, the curators examine the materials and painting techniques used to determine when the works were created and to draw conclusions about the possible artists. Many old paintings have been repainted over the centuries to preserve or repair them. State-of-the-art restoration techniques enable the layers of paint to be analysed even more precisely here.
These investigations offer a fascinating insight into the history of artworks and breathe life into them for our visitors through the two panel paintings from our collection.