Netherlandish Painting Master: Bruegel

Author: He Zhengguang, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-12-01
Features: Pieter Bruegel the Elder is now widely recognized as one of the three great masters of Flemish painting. Although his body of work consists of only about fifty pieces, his influence on art history is undeniable. He was a pioneer of 17th-century Dutch painting. Bruegel created miniature representations of the human world in his paintings by juxtaposing faithful depictions of details with abrupt contrasts of fantastical elements. His keen observation is evident in both his realistic portrayals of rural life and his satirical works that express the social context of his time. His style is rustic and straightforward, earning him the reputation of a "farmer painter." His famous masterpieces, such as The Winter Hunt, The Marriage of the Peasants, and The Parable of the Blind, fully reveal Bruegel's habitual arrangement of diverse scenes and literary symbolism. The compositions are compact, often employing side profiles, which give the subjects a seemingly simple yet highly impactful effect. This book selects works from Bruegel's entire career and presents them with close-up views, allowing readers to thoroughly appreciate the essence of his art. It also includes an exclusive essay exploring Bruegel's connection to Dutch proverbs, offering readers a new opportunity to delve into the world depicted in his paintings.