The Numbering at Bethlehem is a captivating oil painting by the renowned Flemish artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder, created in 1566. This masterpiece is housed in the prestigious Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels. Measuring approximately 116 x 164 cm, the painting showcases Bethlehem as a Flemish village in winter at sundown, with a group of people gathered at a building on the left, having their census taken.

A Pioneer in Snow Landscapes

The Numbering at Bethlehem is one of the first paintings in Western art to feature a significant snow landscape. It was painted in the aftermath of the winter of 1565, which was one of the harshest winters on record. Pieter Bruegel the Elder's innovative use of light and shadow in this painting highlights his mastery of capturing the essence of a snow-covered landscape. To fully appreciate the beauty of this masterpiece, consider adding a high-quality reproduction of the Numbering at Bethlehem to your art collection. Explore our diverse range of handmade oil paintings and print on canvas options at https://ArtsDot.com.

Bruegel's Legacy

Pieter Bruegel the Elder's influence extends beyond his lifetime, with his son, Pieter Brueghel the Younger, and his studio creating dozens of copies after his father's death. This painting has also inspired numerous artists in literature and cinema, including W. H. Auden, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Lars von Trier. Other notable works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder include the Census at Bethlehem and the Massacre of the Innocents, which can be found on https://ArtsDot.com.

• View the Numbering at Bethlehem by Pieter Bruegel the Elder on https://ArtsDot.com/@@/8YDJZQ-
• Discover more of Pieter Bruegel the Elder's extraordinary works, such as the Census at Bethlehem and the Yawning Man (disputed attribution), on https://ArtsDot.com
• Learn more about the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and its collection, including works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, on https://ArtsDot.com

The Numbering at Bethlehem is a testament to Pieter Bruegel the Elder's extraordinary talent and his significant contributions to Dutch and Flemish Renaissance painting.
The scene unfolds in a bustling village blanketed by snow, with a multitude of people engaged in various activities that bring life to the wintry setting.
Overall, the Numbering at Bethlehem is a detailed and vibrant depiction of life in a 16th-century village during winter, showcasing Pieter Bruegel the Elder's mastery over his craft.