Pieter Bruegel the Elder, “Hunters in the Snow”, 1565
It was after “Hunter in the Snow” the Bruegel got the nickname “peasant”. Between 1565 and 1566 Pieter Bruegel painted his famous “Months of the Year” series, yet it is still a mystery why only five of the supposed twelve months were made.
The renowned “Hunters in the Snow” is one of Bruegel’s most famous pieces. In it, the artist reveals a stunning panoramic view of the landscape from the edge of a very high cliff.
That is the Netherlands! Pure joy for the soul!
Together with the hunters we arrive at the precipice, and before our eyes a breathtaking scene opens up where frozen ponds have been turned into ice skating rinks, and trees’ crowns are fluffy with snow. This sense of softness is achieved by the artist through unusual techniques. With a few strokes of dark paint the trunk and a few large branches are sketched on. Then the paint is removed using a semi-dry bristly brush, creating a sort of cloud which gives the effect of a multitude of small branches covered in frost.
Even the bird flying over the land is used as an accent—it marks the height and depth in the painting. The sense of all three dimensions is exquisite! Events are happening simultaneously on several layers.
The painting is currently in the Museum of Art History, Vienna.
The renowned “Hunters in the Snow” is one of Bruegel’s most famous pieces. In it, the artist reveals a stunning panoramic view of the landscape from the edge of a very high cliff.
That is the Netherlands! Pure joy for the soul!
Together with the hunters we arrive at the precipice, and before our eyes a breathtaking scene opens up where frozen ponds have been turned into ice skating rinks, and trees’ crowns are fluffy with snow. This sense of softness is achieved by the artist through unusual techniques. With a few strokes of dark paint the trunk and a few large branches are sketched on. Then the paint is removed using a semi-dry bristly brush, creating a sort of cloud which gives the effect of a multitude of small branches covered in frost.
Even the bird flying over the land is used as an accent—it marks the height and depth in the painting. The sense of all three dimensions is exquisite! Events are happening simultaneously on several layers.
The painting is currently in the Museum of Art History, Vienna.
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