After Pieter Bruegel the Elder 1525-1569

Engraving by Pieter van der Heyden, after 1570, a fine impression of New Hollstein's second state (of four), with text changes (ooc and vuere) in middle stanza, on paper with a Small High Crown watermark, with small margins, thread margin below, a few pale stains, otherwise in good condition

Although undated, this engraving was executed after Bruegel’s death in 1569. It bears the Aux Quatre Vents address which, according to Orenstein, is found only on prints published by the widow of Hieronymus Cock, who continued to manage her husband’s print shop after his death in 1570. On the basis of stylistic similarities with other dated engravings, it has been suggested that the original drawing (now lost) can be dated to circa 1563.

The inscription in the title space was probably added after Bruegel’s death, so that we can only speculate about the several meanings of this fascinating engraving. The text and iconography clearly illustrate a battle over possessions, with humanity’s greed for money at the root of the conflict.    

 

See: N. M. Orenstein, Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Drawings and Prints, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, (New York, 2001), page 254