Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568-1625). Netherlandish Proverbs
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Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568-1625). Netherlandish Proverbs
Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568-1625). Flemish painter. Netherlandish Proverbs (also called The Blue Cloak or The Topsy Turvy World), 1559. Oil-on-oak-panel. Detail. Gemaldegalerie. Berlin. Germany
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Media ID 14325174
© Thaliastock / Mary Evans
1559 Absurdity Berlin Brueghel Cloak Countries Elder Flemish Gemaldegalerie Netherlandish Obstinacy Panel Proverbs Shear Shears Sheep Topsy Turvy Foolishness Oil On Oak Panel
EDITORS COMMENTS
Jan Brueghel the Elder's masterpiece, "Netherlandish Proverbs" or "The Blue Cloak," painted in 1559, is a visual feast of absurdity and folly that invites the viewer to explore the intricacies of Flemish culture and tradition. The oil-on-oak-panel painting, now housed in the Gemaldegalerie in Berlin, Germany, is a captivating representation of the everyday life and proverbs of the Low Countries during the modern age. The detail in this work is truly remarkable, with a multitude of figures and animals engaged in various activities that embody the essence of the proverbs they represent. In the foreground, a person shears a sheep while an obstinate man refuses to tie his shoe, symbolizing the proverbs "He who shears should not shout" and "A fool ties his shoes with his toes." The painting's title, "Netherlandish Proverbs," refers to the collection of proverbs and sayings that were popular in the Netherlands during the 16th century. The painting is also known as "The Blue Cloak" or "The Topsy Turvy World" due to the blue cloak worn by the central figure, who is depicted upside down, adding to the overall sense of absurdity and foolishness. Brueghel's use of color and light in this painting is truly breathtaking, with the blue cloak standing out against the warm tones of the other figures and the wooden background. The painting's intricate details and rich symbolism continue to captivate viewers and provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the Low Countries during the 16th century. Overall, Jan Brueghel the Elder's "Netherlandish Proverbs" is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of art, European culture, or simply the absurdities of human nature. The painting's intricate details and rich symbolism continue to captivate viewers and provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
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