Landscape with Peasants c. 1604

This painting was made by Jan Brueghel the Elder, most likely in Antwerp, using oil paints on a wood panel. The panel itself would have been prepared by hand, primed to create a smooth surface ready for the fine details that Brueghel is known for. Look closely, and you can see the texture and the fine brushwork. The paint is applied in thin layers, allowing light to reflect, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Brueghel's skills were sought after, he was considered the foremost painter of landscapes, and was also the Dean of the Guild of Saint Luke. Consider this landscape in relation to labor and class. Brueghel was the son of a very well known artist, Pieter Bruegel the Elder. He was among the elite. The people depicted in this landscape represent the working class, and were considered the consumers of the ruling class's products. These depictions offer insights into the relationship between the wealthy and the working class. When you look at art, think about the materials, the making, and how the artwork fits into a larger cultural and social context.