This focused volume presents a deep exploration and new interpretations of the winter paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder (ca. 1525-1569). By applying new methodological approaches and interdisciplinary research to these masterpieces of Flemish Renaissance art, including
Winter Landscape with Skaters and Bird Trap (1565) and
The Census at Bethlehem (1566), both at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the book offers an enhanced understanding of the painter's relationship to his time and the extent to which his winter landscapes were meant to reflect real-life situations. After tracing how these paintings have been understood over time, the essays propose new insights into such issues as whether Bruegel depicts the plight of the local populace during winter and whether
The Census at Bethlehem challenges or reaffirms central power structures. Abundantly illustrated,
Bruegel's Winter Scenes is both a thorough examination and a celebration of these widely admired images.
Distributed for Mercatorfonds.
About the AuthorSabine van Sprang is curator and
Tine L. Meganck is researcher, both at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Book InformationISBN 9780300236927
Author Sabine van SprangFormat Hardback
Page Count 248
Imprint Yale University PressPublisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 1687g