Peter Bruegel
First and last name
Peter Bruegel
Date of birth
1525, Broghel
Date of death
1569, Brussels
Pieter Bruegel the Elder was a key figure in Northern Renaissance art, known for his vivid depictions of peasant life and landscapes. He was born in 1525 in Breda and moved to Antwerp, where he became a master in the Guild of Saint Luke between 1551 and 1552. His artistic career flourished after he returned from a trip to Italy, during which he began collaborating with the influential printer Hieronymus Cock, producing designs for various engravings.
Bruegel's works often focused on the lives of ordinary people, earning him the nickname "peasant Bruegel." His paintings, such as The Peasant Wedding and Children's Games, showcase his keen observation of daily life, blending humor and satire. Unlike many of his contemporaries who favored biblical or classical themes, Bruegel elevated rural subjects, significantly contributing to the development of genre painting.
In 1563, he married Mayken Coecke van Aelst, with whom he had three children, including two sons who also became artists. Bruegel's final years were marked by declining health, and he passed away in September 1569. His legacy endures through his innovative compositions and the way he captured the essence of human experience in a rapidly changing world.