Bruegel. The Complete Paintings

Beskrivelse

Pieter Bruegel the Elder's life unfolded amid intense cultural and religious turmoil. Though much about his origins remains unknown, his art vividly captures the human experience during a turbulent era in the Netherlands.

A deep dive into Bruegel's powerful and humanistic artwork amid 16th-century conflict.

Born around 1526/30, Bruegel lived through times marked by religious wars, the harsh governance of the Duke of Alba, and the ominous reach of the Inquisition. Despite his lasting fame, many details about his birth and early life are still a mystery. Earlier studies focused on the local, vernacular aspects of his paintings and prints, but recent research highlights the strong humanistic themes woven throughout his work.

Bruegel began his career designing prints for publisher Hieronymus Cock, creating numerous series that circulated widely across Europe. His works depicted everything from moral vices and virtues to lively peasant celebrations and vast landscapes. Gradually, he shifted his focus to painting, serving the cultural elite in Antwerp and Brussels.

Rather than presenting an idealized vision, Bruegel confronted the harsh realities of his time head-on. His art boldly addressed the brutal religious conflicts and offered a critical perspective on the Church. To avoid censorship and punishment, he developed a unique visual language filled with subtle, hidden messages embedded in seemingly ordinary scenes.

This volume is based on the extensive XXL monograph produced by TASCHEN, featuring a thorough photographic survey of Bruegel’s complete paintings. It showcases all 40 of his known works with exceptional detail and clarity, accompanied by enlarged close-ups and engaging, accessible commentary. Released to celebrate TASCHEN’s 40th anniversary, this book offers an immersive journey into Bruegel’s extraordinary artistic world.

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