Return of the Hunters, Detail

The name Pieter Bruegel "The Elder" sits atop a very unique family tree. He marks the beginning of the Flemish Renaissance painting dynasty known as Brueghel. The string of lineage follows like so: Pieter's two sons, two grandsons and great grandson all followed in his footsteps to become painters. Bruegel (the only one to drop the use of the "h" in the family name) was known for creating fantastical and detailed landscapes which often depicted peasants in everyday life. Although not a peasant himself, it is said that he dressed the part in order to sneak into gatherings unnoticed and observe his artistic subjects in their natural context, earning Pieter the nickname "Peasant Bruegel."