Object number1973.2
Preparing the Flower Beds, from "The Seasons"
Datec. 1620
Artist
Pieter Brueghel II
(Flemish, c. 1564–c. 1638)
CultureFlemish
MediumOil on panel
DimensionsUnframed: 16 15/16 x 22 13/16 in. (43 x 58 cm)
Framed: 24 x 29 15/16 x 1 15/16 in. (61 x 76 x 5 cm)
Framed: 24 x 29 15/16 x 1 15/16 in. (61 x 76 x 5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. (Marjorie W.) Sherburne Prescott
On View
On viewPeriod16th c / 17th c
Classification(s)
SignedSigned (LL): P. BREVGHEL.
Markings
Catalogue raisonnéErtz, Vol. 2, p. 592, ng. E615BibliographyIvory Hammer 4: The Year at Sotheby’s and Parke-Bernet. 1965-66, p. 7. (reproduces Vassar painting as in collection of the late Mr. Erich Muller-Stinnes);
R. Hughes, and P. Bianconi, The Complete Paintings of Bruegel, 1967, p. 118. reproduced drawing and engraving;
Connaissance des Arts, Jan-June, 1968, “Bruegel et son fils.” pp. 94-100;
George Marlier, Pieter Bruegel le Jeune, Brussels, 1969, p. 218-23. (reviewed Revue Belgique, 1969, pp. 120-2);
“Important Old Master Paintings,” Sotheby’s auction catalogue, Thursday, January 21, 1982, lot nos. 17 and 126;
Sotheby’s International preview, November/December 1984, p. 117;
Helene Mund, Contribution a l’etude de Pierre Brueghel le Jeune;
Ertz, Vol. 2, p. 592, ng. E615.
Mundy, James, The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center: Vassar College The History and Collection (New York: Prestel Publishing, 2007), p. 41 repr ProvenanceSee ERTZParis, Charpentier (Galleries?) Sale, May 12, 1948, no. 31.;
Victor Decock, Paris;
Paris, Gallieria, Sale June 15, 1962, no. 61;
Gallery Terry Engel (London?); Erich Mueller-Stinnes;
London, Sotheby’s Sale, July 6, 1966; Mrs. Sherburne Prescott;
VC Art Gallery, 1973
Vassar Exhibitions
Exhibition HistoryNew York, New York, IBM Gallery of Science and Art, “Highlights from the Vassar College Collection,” July 13 - September 11, 1993; Poughkeepsie, FLLAC, Vassar College, “Second Sight: Originality, Duplicity and the Object,” Jan. 14-Apr. 10, 2005.
Label TextIn this scene, men and women toil over flowerbeds, while in the distance others shear sheep and bleach linen in a field. Viewers in the early 1600s would have immediately associated these labors with springtime. The painting, which exists in multiple versions, belongs to a popular series representing the four seasons. While representations of times of the year had a long tradition in Flemish art going back to medieval books of hours, the immediate model can be found in the work of the artist’s father. A nearly identical composition appears in an engraving published in 1570 after a drawing by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. (His son did make some adaptations, however, including the dancing villagers at left.) Such borrowing was a common practice for Pieter the Younger, who found an avid market for portrayals of country life conceived a generation before.
Terms
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge.
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loebcollections@vassar.edu
Studio of Pieter Brueghel the Younger
after 1565
Culture: Flemish
