Netherlandish Proverbs - Pieter Bruegel the Elder

 



Bruegel the Elder, Pieter. Netherlandish Proverbs, 1559


Painted in 1559 in Antwerp, Belgium, by Pieter Bruegel the Elder; the Netherlandish Proverbs portrays over 125 popular proverbs from the Netherlands. With the invention of the printing press, always popular proverbs began to strengthen the mediums pull, giving inspiration to many artist; including Pieter. He also drew inspiration from the humanist circles in Antwerp at the time, where he was regarded fairly well.

Painted on an oak panel with oil paint, this work showcases incredibly delicate details in all of its showcased  proverbs. The artists use of oil paint is exemplary, especially in that of the river. His technique gives a textural depth of which is almost inviting.

The composition of this painting is chaotic. It's hard to see it any other way, except for the masterful use of color. Contrasting bright reds and blues against the earthy yellow tones, in turn, leading the eyes across the image. Dancing from proverb to proverb, bringing attention to the complex details throughout.

If I am being honest this style of painting does not speak to me. However, again, the detail work that Pieter has crafted is down right enchanting. Paintings such as this hold much greater power and gravitas in person, hopefully someday I will be able to experience this work in its full intended beauty.



Side note; this might be the only work which I cover this fall that I have a copy of... debatably. This painting was used as the album art for Fleet Foxes self-titled debut album, the vinyl of which has a surprisingly high quality print on its sleeve, allowing me to further appreciate this piece of art. 


References:

“Spreekwoorden.” Literatuurgeschiedenis, https://www.literatuurgeschiedenis.org/16e-eeuw/spreekwoorden#.

Orenstein, Nadine M. “B1302569 1.” Libmma.contentdm.oclc.org, https://libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15324coll10/id/97318.

Comments

  1. rhettfarmerOctober 5, 2022 at 8:11 PM

    I have never seen this painting before. I think it is really a cool painting. I like how it shows all the different what are proverbs. I like the way the artist uses color and make the characters human and so the people of the time can relate to the stories trying to get across.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Faith AnnettOctober 6, 2022 at 10:59 PM

    Hi,
    I really enjoyed reading your blog. I really love the bright pops of color in this painting with the bright blues and reds that are portrayed throughout some of the painting! I think your thought that the artist drew from the humanist circles is good, because this painting does seem to be very realistic and lifelike. I also liked how the artist used color to make it seem like sort of a golden hue in the little village with the buildings.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introduction

Image
 Hello!              My name is Max Treece-Noran, and I am a Film and Performing Arts major originally from Eagle River, Alaska. Recently, however, I moved to Albuquerque to pursue work opportunities while I continue to study from a distance. It's been quite the change and I'm still not used to the heat, hopefully that comes sooner than later. Hopper, Edward . Lighthouse Hill, 1927 My relationship with the arts is one that has grown significantly through time. My first love in this world was photography, which in turn led me to learn more about the history of art and composition, not only to improve my own work but to appreciate that of others. The older I get, the stronger my love and appreciation for the arts grows. To me, the emotional essence it can demonstrate is so far, unmatched. 
Read more

Art Analysis - Elements of Shipwreck

Image
   Danby, Francis. Shipwreck, 1850   Born in Ireland in 1793,  Francis Danby became a well regarded British artist in both his lifetime as well as the era of Romanticism. Deep into the latter half of Francis Danby's career and life, he created this piece. Simply titled,  Shipwreck . Portraying sailors last glimpses of the fading sunset, as well as the slowly dissipating luster of their craft. Swallowed by the restless sea. Currently, Shipwreck  resides on view in the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut along side other Francis Danby pieces. Color : Vibrant oranges bathe the canvas, not in warmth or comfort, but in an ominous glow. Danby's use of color here, in my opinion, is deeply intertwined with the emotional heart of this painting. The fading sunset glowing behind the dying ship mirrors the fading hope of the sailors, soon to be left in darkness. Texture :  Textured clouds in a once far angrier sky lends great depth. An impending calm to the dramatic seas
Read more

The Cost of Nations and Neoclassicism

Image
            Nations are born through great distress. Blooming only after the soil has been saturated with the blood of its own children. The sanctity of such not only breeds a sense of collectivism, but an aura of righteousness. A righteousness eagerly wielded by those of power to expand into greatness; seemingly promised by those whose blood has been spilt. This promise however will never truly be fulfilled, only dangled as a carrot on a stick, leading the newly born nation down the dark path they tried so desperately to escape. Marred by two brutal revolutions, the 1700s also hosted a battle of two opposing artistic styles, mirroring the political landscape of the time. To the revolutionaries, the Rococo art style symbolized all that was wrong with the powers that be at that time, and because of such the pendulum was bound to swing in the opposite direction. Ushering in the era of Neoclassicism. David, Jacques Louis. The Death of Socrates, 1787      The Death of Socrates was created
Read more