Oil on canvas, relined
Probably Netherlands, 2nd half 16th century
Follower of Pieter I Brueghel (c. 1525-c. 1569) – Dutch painter, etcher, graphic artist and draftsman; leading representative of early Dutch genre painting and founder of the famous dynasty of painters
We thank Suzanne Laemers Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, for the scientific support
Dimensions: 61 x 77 cm
Frame: 83 x 98 cm
Good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Switzerland 
Object is taxed regularly. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

The present painting is a free copy after a print by Pieter I Brueghel, issued after 1566. Accordingly, the painting must date back to the second half of the 16th century and has most certainly been painted by an early follower of the master. Our painting lends further weight to the popularity of Brueghel’s compositions – back then as well as today.

Literature:
See M. Sellink: Bruegel. The complete paintings, drawings and prints, Ghent 2007, cat. 157.

Condition:
The painting is in good condition, consistent with age. The canvas is relined and has been cut along the edges. The paint surface is craquelured with cupping, but the surface seems to have been consolidated. The varnish appears slightly browned or stained in some areas. The stretcher measures 61 x 77 cm. The gilt frame has some marks with material losses, but appears in good overall condition. The framed overall dimensions are 83 x 98 cm.

Pieter I Brueghel (c. 1525-c. 1569)
Probably born in Brueghel near Breda or directly in Breda, the Dutch painter Pieter Brueghel was trained by Pieter Coecke van Aelst (1502-1550) in Antwerp. The latter was a leading representative of the ‘Romanists’ who had developed an Italianate artistic approach. In 1551 Brueghel joined the Antwerp painters’ guild and became a free master. Following the common practice at that time, Brueghel also travelled to Italy. He then returned to Antwerp, but finally moved to Brussels in 1563, where he married the daughter of his master Coecke. Brueghel is famous for his sensual peasant scenes and landscapes that are characterized by their great narrative qualities, rendering the painter his nickname ‘peasant Brueghel’. ‘The Tower of Babel’, painted in 1563, is an impressive example of this special artistic period. Besides being a painter, Pieter Brueghel also created many drawings for printmaking. Examples of his work are preserved in all leading international museums, including the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, the Louvre in Paris, the National Gallery in London and the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. (cbo)    

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