Peculiar behaviour

In his painting, Bruegel invites us to a village populated by countless figures, which fill every space in the panel. Each character is focused on his tasks, most of which seem, on closer inspection, to be rather peculiar.

Metaphorical dimension

These details make no sense at first sight. But the key to understanding this masterpiece lies in its metaphorical dimension: these villagers are enacting more than 120 proverbs and sayings, each metaphor turned into a literal depiction.

Topsy-turvy world

Every figure and every little scene belongs to Bruegel’s concept of the “topsy-turvy world”. As a symbol for this, the painter introduces his composition with a cross-bearing globe, symbol of the world as well as holy power. The world, here, definitely is upside-down.

Tarts on the roof

The rooftop is covered with numerous tarts. This could have multiple meanings. The saying “there the roof is tiled with tarts” refers on one side to the land of plenty. But it could also describe a fool’s paradise.

Sheep shaving

Here, we see a man shaving a sheep. In relation to his neighbor who works on a pig, this image means “one shears sheep, the other pigs” : some live in luxury, others are in need.

The Thunder God

Kiitsu uses rippling lines to emphasise his Thunder God's strong form, giving a dynamic (and terrifying) 3D effect.

Ink bleeding

The technique of 'ink bleeding' is used to depict the sky through which the god moves.

Painting on panels

This work has been created on a fusuma (a sliding door). You can see how the work is separated by these panels.