Bruegel - Between the Middle Ages and Renaissance

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?

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

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. 

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

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