Bruegel - Between the Middle Ages and Renaissance

Chapter 1: The Artist and His Artwork

The Painter and The Buyer (c. 1565 - c. 1565) by Pieter BruegelRoyal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

What did it mean to be a painter in the 16th century? What was the artist's social status and was painting still considered an artisanal trade?

The Printing of Books (1580/1605) by Jan Van der Straet known as StradamusRoyal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

A milestone in a painter's life was the registration in a guild as a master.
From the 14th century, painters were grouped in "trades" which controlled and regulated the work of artists and artisans. These documents, prove that Bruegel registered with the Guild in 1551

Landscape with the Fall of Icarus (undated) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (after?)Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

From the 16th century onwards, painters typically continued their training after finishing an apprenticeship by journeying through Italy. This was a critical stage before reaching the status of master.

Bruegel brought back numerous landscapes from his Italian journey. 

The Collector's Cabinet (1621/1621) by Hiëronymus Francken II (attributed to)Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

It was in 1562 at the age of 37 that Bruegel dedicated himself fully to painting.

Winter Landscape with Skaters and Birds Trap (1565) by Pieter Bruegel the ElderRoyal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Bruegel signed nearly all his works which proves the recognition that the artist had earned during his lifetime.

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