Children’s Games (1560) by Pieter Bruegel

Children's Games - Pieter Bruegel - 1560

All Artwork Images

Artwork Information

TitleChildren's Games
ArtistPieter Bruegel
Date1560
MediumOil on Panel
Dimensions118 x 161 cm
Art MovementNorthern Renaissance
Current LocationKunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria

About Children's Games

The artwork “Children’s Games” is a renowned oil on panel created by the artist Pieter Bruegel in 1560. This intricate work, measuring 118 x 161 cm, is a seminal piece of the Northern Renaissance and is classified within the genre painting category. It forms part of the series “The World Turned Upside Down” and is currently housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.

Depicted in the artwork is a vibrant and bustling scene, overwhelming in its level of activity and detail. The canvas is alive with a multitude of children engaged in various games and activities across different spaces. The composition captures an array of games—some still recognized today and others that have faded into historical obscurity—with a microcosmic narrative that unfolds in a town setting. The viewer’s eye roams from quiet corners where children play in solitude to raucous groups enacting more competitive or physical games.

In the foreground, the artwork shows groups of children absorbed in various pursuits such as playing with hoops, engaging in a mock-fight, and participating in a circle game. Moving towards the middle ground, the scene expands, revealing children engaged in a merry-go-round and other communal activities that contribute to the lively atmosphere.

The background, though less densely populated, is still animated with scattered games and offers a perspective into the expanse of this imagined play-world. Architectural elements, such as the prominent buildings on either side and the urban landscape receding towards the horizon, frame the human activity and provide spatial context. Bruegel’s use of scale, color, and meticulous attention to the depiction of the children’s games highlights his masterful ability to capture the essence of daily life with both humor and a keen observational eye.

The artwork not only offers a fascinating glimpse into the recreation of that era but also functions as a reflection on human behavior and social structures within the seemingly innocent realm of children’s play.

Other Artwork from Pieter Bruegel

More Northern Renaissance Artwork

Scroll to Top