Witnesses of a radical change

The Reformation, a booming colonial trade and a rapidly increasing urbanization changed the living conditions in 16th century Europe. It is the beginning of the early modern period − in the Netherlands, the precursor to the Golden Age in the 17th century. Drawing developed into an independently recognized medium of fine art. Artists recorded the new social norms with astonishing variety and technical quality. In Bruegel and His Time, the ALBERTINA in Vienna presents about 90 works from its own collection. They will be on view from February 15 to May 24, 2023.

Among the drawings are portraits, landscapes and satires. Works by famous artists such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Jan de Beer, Maarten van Heemskerck and Hendrick Goltzius enrich the exhibition, as do sheets by unknown authors. Some of the works are on public display for the first time in a large show.