The Representation of the Tower of Babel in Dutch Art in XV-XVI centuries

Mikhaleva, Tatiana

Item

The Representation of the Tower of Babel in Dutch Art in XV-XVI centuries

Mikhaleva, Tatiana

Abstract

I researched the representation of the Tower of Babel in Dutch art in the 15th-16th centuries. The examination ranged from medieval to Dutch Renaissance images with the main focus on two paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Medieval artists reflected on the moral meaning of the narrative, while Bruegel showed a connection between Babylon and his native city, Antwerp. Bruegel conveyed both political and religious aspects in his two versions – in Rotterdam and in Vienna, both dated 1563. The popularity of the theme of the Tower of Babel peaked in the second half of the 16th century with a regional concentration in the depiction of the Tower in Antwerp. The Rotterdam painting was the primary source of inspiration, although the Vienna painting was also occasionally copied. The metaphorical potential of the Biblical story as well as Bruegel’s influence were the main reasons the narrative was so popular in the second half of the 16th century.