Paula’s lecture focuses on the art of Peter Bruegel the Elder (c.1525/30-1569) which is a byword for the depiction of genre subjects and landscapes. The talk will explore his work and its meanings, from his beginnings in the style of Hieronymus Bosch, to the development of a highly original art that offered an alternative to the Italianate art then in vogue.

Working for an elite circle of connoisseurs, at the end of his short life he produced some of his greatest masterpieces, including the Peasant Dance and Peasant Wedding, and the lyrical Months of the Year, which rank amongst the greatest achievements of Netherlandish Painting.

 

 

Paula is a specialist in Renaissance art, both Italian and northern European, on which she has published widely, notably ‘From Flanders to Florence: the Impact of Netherlandish Painting 1400- 1500’.She has collaborated on major exhibitions including ‘Jan van Eyck: an Optical Revolution’ (Ghent 2020).

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Before retiring in 2023, Paula was Director of the V&A Medieval and Renaissance Year course and has taught at - amongst others – the Courtauld Institute and the British Institute of Florence. She now focuses on the Arts Society, her own online courses, and research.

 

 

Everyone is welcome – members free, visitors £8

Refreshments are available at the end of the lecture

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