Pieter Bruegel the Elder – Biography and Artwork of the Dutch Painter

Pieter Bruegel the Elder was a prominent Dutch painter of the Renaissance era, who is regarded as one of the greatest artists of his time. He came from an influential southern Netherlandish family of artists and chose to focus on landscape and peasant scenes. He broke away from traditional Renaissance art styles by making these subjects the focus in large paintings, thereby creating a niche for himself in the art world.

Born during a period of extensive change in Western Europe, Bruegel became a master in the guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp by 1551. This led to him gaining massive recognition for his skills and working with renowned inventors such as Giulio Clovio while he was still based abroad. Pieter Bruegel collaborated with Clovio during his stay in Rome where he worked as a draughtsman under several cardinals including Federico Borromeo.

Pieter Bruegel passed on at an early age leaving behind two notable heirs to his name, Pieter Brueghel Jr and Jan Brueghel. They continued their father’s work, bringing forth several famous artworks from their famous father’s artistry dynasty that spanned across generations.

Overall, Pieter Bruegel’s unique style stood out even amongst many talented painters during that time due to his attention to landscapes and everyday people. His influence can be seen through later works inspiring realism-orientated painters like Jean-Francois Millet impressed by his emphatic appreciation towards depicting rural life experiences.

All Pieter Bruegel the Elder Artwork on Artchive

Artwork Name Year Medium
Three soldiers 1568; Brussels, Belgium
Twelve Proverbs c.1558 - c.1560 oil,panel
Man of War between two Galleys 1565 engraving,paper
Two Monkeys 1562 oil,oak
The Massacre of the Innocents 1565 - 1566 oil,panel
The Wine of Saint Martin's Day 1565 - 1568 tempera,canvas
Soldiers at Rest 1555 - 1556 ink,paper
James the late emperor of the Devil is stopped the illusions of a magician 1565 engraving,paper
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