The Adoration in the Snow, 1567 (Dr. Oskar Reinhart Collection, Wintherthur, Germany)

It is believed this may be the first painting ever to actually show snow falling. Although snow must have been common in the cold XVI Century winters, the main representations at the times were figures from church related subjects rather than natural events.  The representation of the Adoration in a northern imaginary environment, - the same technique also used in his Bethlehem painting - rather than the typical Palestine scenery, shows the geniality of Bruegel at its best.

Bruegel seems to put things into prospective with this representation challenging the church's thinking with minor but significant changes in details. Note how the important Adoration (left side of the painting) is just a happening amongst many and it does not attract the immediate attention of the observer. Bruegel's use of the diagonal technique  eventually brings the eye to the mother and child but not before passing through peasants carrying out a number of chores and a child crossing the frozen river in a sledge. This lowers the importance of the birth of Christ to almost the ordinary highlighting the human nature of the main event.

Back to Index       Back to Home

Next Page             Previous Page

(C) Maioliche Originali Deruta (MOD) Autori: Manufacturing Quality for the Discerning Collector and Art Investor