The Fallen Madonna by Elena Bondar www.ebondar.com
The Fallen Madonna

The Fallen Madonna by the fictional painter Van Klomp. My tribute to the classic BBC television series ‘Allo ‘Allo!  As a great fan of the long-running BBC 1 television comedy series ‘Allo ‘Allo! (1982–92), I always wanted my own personal “copy” of the infamous “Fallen Madonna” (usually referred to as “The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies” by the fictional painter Van Klomp). This is the portrait of a bare breasted woman which provided a running gag throughout the classic tv series, written by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd.

After much fruitless searching on the internet, I decided to produce my own, based on the copy displayed at Longleat House.

Details

Pixels: 3882 x 2322 pixels (25.8 MP)
Image Size: 32.9 x 19.6 inches (117 dpi)
Format: PDF (4.8 MB)
Price: €11

Behind the Canvas

The ‘Allo ‘Allo! Series was set in the French town of Nouvion during the German occupation of France in the Second World War. Its focus was a small café in the town square run by René Artois. There were repeated attempts by the German occupiers to acquire the Fallen Madonna, a treasured piece of artwork, to provide a “nest egg” after the war. Among those who coveted it were the local German commandant Colonel Von Strohm and the Führer Adolf Hitler himself on whose behalf Herr Otto Flick of the Gestapo was instructed to secure it (but, of course, also wanted it for himself).

The painting was seen and hidden in various guises; it was often secreted, with suggestive possibilities, in a long knackwurst sausage. An incredible number of forgeries of the Fallen Madonna were made, mostly by Lieutenant Gruber and Monsieur LeClerc. These were naturally hidden in knackwurst sausages in René’s kitchen. The forgeries were subsequently destroyed in various ways (burned, blown up, minced, eaten by a dog, etc.).

So, this latest forgery has been produced by me (knackwurst sausage containers available on request!). Unlike the copies used in the TV series, which were cartoon-like, and never intended for close inspection, this version has been adapted for easier viewing.

About this Print

Downloadable large-format PDF image scanned from Elena’s reproduction oil painting. This is a large PDF, ideally suited for printing on canvas. A 2.75 inch (7 cm) ‘Museum style’ white margin is added to each side of the picture to allow for stretching/mounting. After completing the payment process, you will immediately receive a download link for your picture.