Bruegel: Masters of Art

This richly illustrated introduction to Pieter Bruegel the Elder‘s major works brings his enduring themes and morally charged vision of collective life into focus.

Pieter Bruegel’s depictions of everyday sixteenth century Netherlandish life demonstrated his extraordinary ability to observe and convey the world of ordinary people. The book traces Bruegel’s artistic development from his entry into the Antwerp painters’ guild in 1551 through to his rise as one of the most distinctive and influential artists of his era. 

Cultural, political, and religious forces come into view during the chronological structure of the book, as pressures behind the scenes shape labour and communal life.  Through grand spectacle and visual satire Bruegel successfully reflected human behaviour, belief, and power with unsparing empirical clarity.

Exquisite reproductions of Bruegel’s paintings and graphic works show what an extraordinary painter he was. 

• Elegantly produced and very inviting to browse at the reader’s leisure.
• The Masters of Art series are celebrated introductory texts to art and artists.
• Over 50 essential works chart the emergence of his vision and its evolution over time.
• Features artwork by Bruegel such as ‘The Wedding Dance’ and ‘The Census at Bethlehem’.
• Paintings are accompanied by perceptive commentary from historic context to technique.

Informative and visually generous, this volume offers an engaging introduction to one of the central figures of Northern Renaissance art.