Dictionary
Bruegel School
Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c. 1525/30-69) is one of the most important figures of Flemish Mannerism. His humorous but profound genre paintings, depict peasant life in villages, bars, at festivals or at work. This central motif earned him the name "Peasant Breugel". His oeuvre included moralistic proverb paintings, fantasy pictures in the manner of Hieronymus Bosch, and landscapes. Breugel’s images are characterised by great detail and a large number of figures. Simultaneously, they attract and captivate the observer’s attention with their carefully though-out composition. His late work is most well known, and includes images such as "The Dutch Proverbs" (1559), "Land of Milk and Honey" (1567) and the "Peasant Wedding" (c. 1568).
His works were highly desirable collectors’ items during his lifetime.
Bruegel’s followers focussed intensely on his work. His sons Jan the Elder (1568-1625) and Pieter the Younger (1564/65-1637/38) are his most important artistic descendents. Bruegel the Elder received much acclaim for his opulent flower arrangements, which often served as grand frameworks for biblical or allegorical subjects, thereby earning himself the moniker "Flower Bruegel". Pieter Bruegel the Younger specialised in copying his father’s works and thus extended his audience. Bruegelesque pictorial language had strong reverberations in Flanders and the Netherlands, and inspired numerous artists, including Lucas and Marten van Valckenborch and Hans Bol.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c. 1525/30-69) is one of the most important figures of Flemish Mannerism. His humorous but profound genre paintings, depict peasant life in villages, bars, at festivals or at work. This central motif earned him the name "Peasant Breugel". His oeuvre included moralistic proverb paintings, fantasy pictures in the manner of Hieronymus Bosch, and landscapes. Breugel’s images are characterised by great detail and a large number of figures. Simultaneously, they attract and captivate the observer’s attention with their carefully though-out composition. His late work is most well known, and includes images such as "The Dutch Proverbs" (1559), "Land of Milk and Honey" (1567) and the "Peasant Wedding" (c. 1568).
His works were highly desirable collectors’ items during his lifetime.
Bruegel’s followers focussed intensely on his work. His sons Jan the Elder (1568-1625) and Pieter the Younger (1564/65-1637/38) are his most important artistic descendents. Bruegel the Elder received much acclaim for his opulent flower arrangements, which often served as grand frameworks for biblical or allegorical subjects, thereby earning himself the moniker "Flower Bruegel". Pieter Bruegel the Younger specialised in copying his father’s works and thus extended his audience. Bruegelesque pictorial language had strong reverberations in Flanders and the Netherlands, and inspired numerous artists, including Lucas and Marten van Valckenborch and Hans Bol.
Offers