The Flemish artist Pieter Bruegelmdash;sometimes called Peasant Bruegelmdash;was the first great artist to paint scenes of ordinary peasant life and show the common man and woman as they went about their daily tasks and amusements. He is credited with bringing a humanizing spirit to paintingmdash; something that was lacking in medieval works and entirely absent from contemporary Renaissance paintings. His compositions are full of rich details and reward close examination; in fact; they are used by cultural historians as source material for old Flemish customs; styles of dress; cultivation; and many other aspects of 16th-century everyday life. In 1563 Bruegel painted one of his most famous works; The Tower of Babel; for the first time; during his lifetime; he painted the subject three times. Called a figurative allegory; The Tower of Babel tells a story from the Old Testament; Genesis 11:1ndash;9. The theme is the futility of human ambition and commercial greed. Other subjects; many produced as prints; included the seven deadly sins (or vices) and the seven virtues. At his death in 1569; his old friend Ortelius described him as ldquo;the most perfect painter of his time.rdquo; His two sons Pieter and Jan; also accomplished artists; followed in their fatherrsquo;s footsteps; firmly establishing the Brueg(h)el name in the art history books.
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Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Great companion and interesting readBy D. JonesWhat can I say. I love The Wire and have all five seasons which I watch once a year. The book is a great companion and provides an historical back story. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is a fan.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must-have for Wire fansBy K DLots of interesting background on the writing of the show and inside look at episodes. If youre a fan of The Wire; you want this.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. My new Bible for all things "The Wire" Excellent resource - Loved the glossaryBy Sedona CotaMy new Bible for all things "The Wire" Excellent resource - Loved the glossary; wish I had it before watching the series. So glad this book was written; made even my TV hating mom take note of it and watch an episode with me! Further helped me appreciate this show and if I live long enough to watch it again; Ill so be enjoying the guides and information. Well Done! One of the first things I learned here was that Obama said this was his favorite show; back when he was running in 2008; Gutsy move Mr. President! Great factoid. Still savoring this 500 page book; and will be for some time.