Not much is known about Rubens's early work, prior to his departure to Italy in 1600.
This panel, which depicts the fall from grace of the first humans, Adam and Eve, is one of the few surviving paintings from this early period. It is painted in a style that still is quite similar to the style of his last teacher, Otto van Veen (1557-1629). The use of colour, primarily cool hues of green and blue, is very reminiscent of Van Veen's palette.
At this stage Rubens's treatment of the figures and the landscape is still very static and precise. After his stay in Italy his style became even freer and his use of colour more expressive.
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