🎨 The Tower of Babel, 1563
by Bruegel, the Elder 🇳🇱
oil on wood panel. 114 cm × 155 cm Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria
About the artwork:
Bruegel's representation of the Tower's architecture is particularly striking, with its numerous arches and elements reminiscent of Roman engineering, notably the Roman Colosseum. This comparison to Roman architecture was intentional, as the Colosseum was viewed by Christians at the time as a symbol of hubris and persecution. Bruegel's visit to Rome in 1552–1553 likely influenced this architectural style, and he may have used engravings of Roman landmarks by Hieronymous Cock as references.
The painting portrays the Tower as a massive, spiraling structure with a chaotic construction scene. King Nimrod, though not mentioned in the biblical story, is included in the foreground, overseeing the construction. Bruegel's attention to detail is evident throughout the painting, from the workers laboring at various levels of the tower to the depiction of daily life within the structure.
by Bruegel, the Elder 🇳🇱
oil on wood panel. 114 cm × 155 cm Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria
About the artwork:
Bruegel's representation of the Tower's architecture is particularly striking, with its numerous arches and elements reminiscent of Roman engineering, notably the Roman Colosseum. This comparison to Roman architecture was intentional, as the Colosseum was viewed by Christians at the time as a symbol of hubris and persecution. Bruegel's visit to Rome in 1552–1553 likely influenced this architectural style, and he may have used engravings of Roman landmarks by Hieronymous Cock as references.
The painting portrays the Tower as a massive, spiraling structure with a chaotic construction scene. King Nimrod, though not mentioned in the biblical story, is included in the foreground, overseeing the construction. Bruegel's attention to detail is evident throughout the painting, from the workers laboring at various levels of the tower to the depiction of daily life within the structure.