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The Strife of Lent with Shrovetide, c. 1550, by Pieter Bruegh
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The Strife of Lent with Shrovetide, c. 1550, by Pieter Bruegh
Pieter Brueghel the Elder (c.1525-1569). Flemish painter. The Strife of Lent with Shrovetide, c.1550. National Museum of Denmark. Copenhagen. Denmark
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Allegory Bite Bruegel Brueghel Cheek Contrast Copenhagen Denmark Elder Flemish Grotesque Holland Lean Lent Netherlands Obese Pieter Renaissance Skinny Slender Slim Statens Fatness Lanky Shrove Tide Shrovetide
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The Strife of Lent with Shrovetide,
EDITORS COMMENTS
painted by Pieter Brueghel the Elder around 1550, is a striking and thought-provoking work of art that captures the contrasting spirit of two significant periods in the Christian calendar: Lent and Shrovetide. This masterpiece, currently housed in the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a prime example of the Flemish artist's unique ability to depict allegorical scenes with a grotesque yet captivating sense of detail. In the foreground of the painting, we see the revelry of Shrovetide, with lanky, slender figures indulging in a wild and boisterous celebration. They dance, drink, and feast on rich, fatty foods, their cheeks full of laughter and their bellies distended with gluttony. In stark contrast, in the background, we find the somber and austere observance of Lent. Here, lean, obese figures, their skin stretched taut over their bones, endure acts of penance and self-denial. Brueghel's use of allegory in this painting is both modern and timeless. The contrast between the fat and the lean, the indulgent and the ascetic, is a biting commentary on the human condition, highlighting the duality of our nature and the constant struggle between excess and restraint. The painting's grotesque yet compelling depiction of the human form is a testament to Brueghel's mastery of the Renaissance style and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. This painting, with its intricate details and thought-provoking themes, is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of art or the exploration of the human condition. The National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen is fortunate to have this masterpiece in its collection, where it continues to inspire and intrigue visitors from around the world.
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