Brueghel: the family reunion

The Brueghels are the most famous family in the history of Western art. They were innovators and entrepreneurs who were active from around 1550 to 1700. Their roots in Brabant played a major role in their art, which focuses on the people, land, and culture of this region.

For almost two centuries, the Brueghels produced hundreds of paintings, drawings, and prints that captivate and entertain viewers. These works are admired for their witty compositions, universal messages, and exceptional craftsmanship. From depictions of familiar proverbs to insect studies, and from credit card size paintings on copper to monumental canvases, the variety is endless.

This reunion of all five generations looks anew at the Brueghels and the context in which they worked. Who were the members of this successful family and what connects their diverse careers? How did their fascination with the local landscape lead to new ways of representing nature in art? What do their artworks reveal about the consequences of global trade and European colonization? For the first time, attention is given to the crucial role of women in the family business.

Brueghel: The Family Reunion is a catalogue that is as visually rich as the artworks themselves, and it unravels the secret of a centuries-long successful family of artists.