Bruegel: Basic Art

An indispensable overview of the Dutch painter and printmaker who was among the most significant artists of Dutch and Flemish Renaissance painting and a formative influence on the later paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

The artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c. 1526/31–1569) was a highly creative painter and draftsman, known for his impactful landscapes and religious scenes. His works stood out for their use of vernacular language and incorporation of daily, modern life.

Bruegel is renowned for his depictions of peasant life and folk culture, earning him the nickname 'Peasant Bruegel'. He immersed himself in rural and small-town communities, capturing the essence of their experiences. Elevating the mundane activities of peasant life, such as farming, festivals, gatherings, and games, to the level of true artistic expression, whether depicting hunters in the snow or a lively country fair. Meanwhile, Bruegel's religious and moral themes, such as The Triumph of Death (1562) and The Tower of Babel (1563), continue to captivate and influence modern culture just as much as they did in the 16th century. These iconic works have served as inspiration for everything from cinematic battle scenes in The Lord of the Rings to Don DeLillo's novel Underworld.

Discover Bruegel's powerful compositions that combine biblical and earthly scenes, from the corn harvest in The Harvesters (1565) to the Conversion of Saul (1567), and from quaint wedding processions: The Wedding Dance (1566), The Peasant Wedding (1567) to Christ's road to Calvary, The Procession to Calvary (1564). Gain insight into the artist's diverse subjects through this informative book.