Chapter 1
The apprentice who saw the world
Chapter 2
The ultimate people watcher
Chapter 3
Masters of the cold and snow
Chapter 4
Painting through the terror
Chapter 5
The Bruegel dynasty and legacy
YOUR GOAL
Master of How Pieter Bruegel changed art forever
Ch 4 · Painting through the terror
andy Bruegel painted a biblical tragedy but dressed the Roman soldiers as the feared Spanish troops occupying his homeland.
andy A massive crumbling tower modeled after the Roman Colosseum stands under warm lighting.
Fun Fact
Censored masterpieces: The British Royal Collection's copy of Bruegel's "Massacre of the Innocents" was censored in the 17th century, painting over dead babies with farm animals and packages.
Glossary
inquisition (noun)
A period of prolonged and intensive questioning or investigation. In 1569, Bruegel ordered his wife to burn his most controversial drawings to escape the Spanish Inquisition.
A period of prolonged and intensive questioning or investigation. In 1569, Bruegel ordered his wife to burn his most controversial drawings to escape the Spanish Inquisition.
Quiz
Which Spanish general, nicknamed the "Iron Duke," was sent to rule the Netherlands during Bruegel's final years?
Quiz
Which biblical king is represented by the tyrannical figures in Bruegel's "The Tower of Babel"?
Quiz
What brutal court did the Duke of Alba set up to execute Dutch rebels and Protestants?
Quiz
What ancient Roman building inspired the architecture of Pieter Bruegel's "The Tower of Babel"?
Quiz
In "The Massacre of the Innocents," what army's uniform did the murderous soldiers wear?
Quiz
What did Pieter Bruegel instruct his wife, Mayken Coecke, to do with his most dangerous drawings on his deathbed?