The Flemish Proverbs

Standing before this canvas we cannot deny the influence of Pieter Bruegel the Elder and of two of his masterpieces, often considered counterparts: “The Flemish Proverbs” of 1559 (Staatliche Museen, Gemäldegalerie, Berlin) and “Children’s Games” of 1560 (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna). Philippe and Françoise Roberts-Jones identified a thematic link between Vrancx’s and Breugel’s “Proverbs”, as well as noting the similarities in composition between Vrancx’s “Proverbs” and Bruegel’s “Children’s Games”. (L. Bolle)