Pieter Bruegel, The Elder Renaissance Artist of the Netherlands Pieter Bruegel the Elder Pieter Bruegel was born in the Netherlands around Little is known about Pieter and his early years, but documents show him as an apprentice under an artist named Claude Dorizi in An apprenticeship was the way to learn a trade this was common in Renaissance times and also in Colonial America. Pieter Bruegel the Elder Pieter was often called Peasant Bruegel because of the subject manner of his paintings. He was actually a highly cultured and well respected man. His most famous paintings contain common every day working men and women. Pieter Bruegel the Elder In 1551 Pieter Bruegel became a master painter and was admitted to the Antwerp Guild. This gave him respect within the art community and a promise of work and money. Bruegel toured around Europe and extensively through France and Italy where there was a lot of amazing art. Pieter Bruegel the Elder On his return from his travels, Bruegel started working for an engraver and publisher of fine prints. During this time he started painting groups of people and landscapes. Bruegel married Mayken in 1563 and they settled in Brussels, Belgium. Pieter Bruegel the Elder In his lifetime Pieter Bruegel paintings were held in high regard and he was a well known artist. Art critics of the time called him bootigh (funny) and gheestig (spirited, inventive and refined). It was thought that one could look at Bruegel paintings and always smile at the humor expressed by the characters. Pieter Bruegel the Elder Through his paintings Bruegel helps us to see the people of the 1500s, how they lived, dressed, worked and played. Bruegel always depicted the people with great respect and dignity, no matter what their activity or status in life. Pieter Bruegel the Elder The Harvesters Meal