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Pieter Bruegel, The Elder
Renaissance Artist of the
Netherlands
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
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Pieter Bruegel was born in the Netherlands around 1525.
Little is known about Pieter and his early years, but
documents show him as an apprentice under an artist
named Claude Dorizi in 1550.
An apprenticeship was the way to learn a trade this was
common in Renaissance times and also in Colonial
America.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
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Pieter was often called ‘Peasant Bruegel’ because of the
subject manner of his paintings.
He was actually a highly cultured and well respected
man.
His most famous paintings contain common every day
working men and women.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
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In 1551 Pieter Bruegel became a master painter and
was admitted to the Antwerp Guild.
This gave him respect within the art community and a
promise of work and money.
Bruegel toured around Europe and extensively through
France and Italy where there was a lot of amazing art.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
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On his return from his travels, Bruegel started working for
an engraver and publisher of fine prints.
During this time he started painting groups of people and
landscapes.
Bruegel married Mayken in 1563 and they settled in
Brussels, Belgium.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
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In his lifetime Pieter Bruegel paintings were held in high
regard and he was a well known artist.
Art critics of the time called him ‘bootigh (funny) and
‘gheestig’ (spirited, inventive and refined).
It was thought that one could look at Bruegel paintings
and always smile at the humor expressed by the
characters.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
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Through his paintings Bruegel helps us to see the people
of the 1500s, how they lived, dressed, worked and played.
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Bruegel always depicted the people with great respect
and dignity, no matter what their activity or status in life.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
Pieter Bruegel the Elder
The Harvesters’ Meal