New record for Flemish master
This magnificent painting by the Flemish master Frans Verbeeck has just fetched over 3 million euros at auction in Austria. The painting entitled 'Mockery of the Follies of Man' set a new record for this 16th century master from Mechelen.
It was at the Austrian auctioneers Dorotheum that the masterpiece fetched 3,035,000 euros. Earlier the painting had not been valued at more than 1.2 million euros.
The canvas of 'Mockery of the Follies of Man' is inhabited by buffoons and strange creatures. The new owner wishes to remain anonymous, but the work will be staying in Flanders. Both in the auction hall and on the phone there was considerable interest in acquiring the work.