About the lecture

More than four centuries after his death the work of this intriguing artist continues to fascinate us. Bruegel’s brief career introduced new subjects of landscape and everyday life. But these apparently innocent and joyous pictures contain hidden social and political messages which are being rediscovered by scholars. An early biographer spoke of “Peasant Bruegel” and gave the impression of a naïve chronicler of folklore. But Bruegel is increasingly seen as an innovative artist providing a circle of humanist patrons with sophisticated and multi-layered compositions. This presentation will delve deeper into Bruegel’s work by exploring the most recent research.

About the lecturer

Rupert Dickens is an art historian based in south London with a special interest in Dutch and Flemish 16th and 17th century painting. He works at the Wallace Collection as a guide conducting public and private tours and lecturing on aspects of the collection. Rupert has accompanied groups on art-themed tours to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria and Italy. He has lectured to large audiences on subjects as diverse as the game of chess in art and Madame de Pompadour’s artistic patronage in 18th century France. He studied art history at Birkbeck College before undertaking a Masters in Dutch Golden Age Studies at University College London. Before that Rupert had a 26-year career as a BBC journalist ending as an editor in radio news.