I don't believe you've ever made a video that I didn't deem worth my time at the end of it. Another fantastic video essay. I loved every second of it. Thank you again Evan for the stellar work.
Reminds of the Chinese art "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" which was painted ~450 years earlier. It captures the daily life and bustling activity of people in a prosperous city during the Qingming Festival, which is a traditional Chinese festival that falls around early April. The scroll illustrates the urban life of the time, showcasing various scenes like a bustling marketplace, crowded streets, a bridge over a river, and people engaging in various activities.
Unfortunately when referring to art history most people tend to refer to the western world, even when most of the actual "firsts" were done in different parts of the world.
@@Jarino507 That's true. In this case I didn't mind it so much though, I get what he was expressing in the context of his video. I just thought that if this was the kind of thing that inspires the author and if he wasn't aware of this work, he might be interested to learn about it.
@@Jarino507 Discussing "firsts" in parts of the world that don't feed into the European globalizing era are indications of the common intelligence to be found in all human societies ... but they don't really inform the structure of the world we live in today. Sure, the Mayans had a concept of "zero" before Fibonacci imported the Indian/Arab version to Europe ... but did being first "matter"? Many civilizations hoarded innovation in their elite classes, hindering extrapolation ... for some reason, in Europe, the merchant/adventurer class had more access.
@@secularmonk5176 It's more so about the fact several non-white artists/inventors often don't get credit despite being the first ones to do things. Also, since this video is about firsts in art history, I'd say it is relevant? Not dissing the creator of the video in any way, just commenting on the unfortunate aspect of society.
In the Netherlands we have this romantic image of people ice skating from paintings like these. As it happened, late 16th century was the coldest period in western Europe during what's called the "little ice age", a period from roughly 1400-1800 where it was colder than usual in western Europe. I thought that was mildly interesting.
Bruegel is one of my favourite artists of all time. I particularly love his style and that of other Early Netherlandish artists because it sits somewhere between the more stylised Gothic art of the Middle Ages and the more naturalistic style of the Baroque era. It gives the scenes of ordinary life he depicts a sense of magic and symbolism that later paintings lack.
@@chrystianaw8256 Belgium didnt exist back then. Bruegel predates the modern country Belgium by around 300 years. He was one of the most important artists of the Dutch and Flemish Renaissance painting style. So, yes he is part of the Dutch history. Bruessel is also part of the northern Dutch part of Belgium, so even if he had lived in modern times he would still be part of the Dutch history (well and Flemish too).
@@derPetunientopf While it is true that the modern nation state; 'the kingdom of Belgium' was only founded in 1831. Belgium or Belgica used to be the more used latin name for the entire Netherlands before the north elected the term 'Batavia' to differentiate themselves. If you look at old maps of this period, they will call the lands from the Yser to the Wadden islands "Belgium" or "nederland" interchangeably, or the latin name for the Dutch colonies in the Americas: Nieuw Nederland or Nova Belgica. Because at the time the differences weren't as set in stone and pronounced as they are today.
This makes me think of Fredrik Marinus Kruseman's painting "Joy in the dead of winter". One of my favorites. Beautiful skies, buildings and landscapes with people having fun on the ice.
Beautiful, and a sentiment that would continue to shock the art world. One of my favourites here is “The Angelus” by Jean-François Millet - and amazing to see the impact and repercussions it had during its time. Thank you again.
Romanticism was in the first half of the XIX century, it has nothing to do with the Renaissance which started 4 centuries earlier. If anything, it was against humanism and rationalism by the way. Both have nothing to do with "democratizing" anything, whatever that might mean
Recently, you featured two pieces from The Detroit Institute of Arts. The Nightmare is on permanent display as well as Bruegel's “The Wedding Dance” in your montage at the end. If you get a chance, pay the museum a visit.
I just want to say thank you to the Nerd Writer. Over the years you have almost singlehandedly introduced me and made me passionate and appreciative toward art. Thank you!
Great stuff. People need to know this. Just saw a list of UK public's favourite paintings - No1. Starry Night. No2. A Banksy (?!?!) Piet Bruegel was one of the truly greats, with Bosch and Vermeer. I can stare at his pictures for hours.
Year after year, you have provided us with amazing essays. I am grateful especially this time because I now have 2 new historical figures to explore! Gracias Gracias
Really interesting, I wonder if they could be considered as sort of “photographies” of old times? As in, those paintings appear to be a moment captured in time
Another fun video essay there NerdWriter. It was really well done and thought out. I enjoy these 5-10 minutes of fun essays. Just the right amount to keep me engaged. Keep up the great work.
one of China's most famous scroll paintings captures ordinary people, and painted over 500 years before Bruegel. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Along_the_River_During_the_Qingming_Festival
A Eurocentric view of art history. “Arguably” and “significant” are doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Can it really be argued that prior to 1500, no works of art (music, poetry, painting, literature) depicted the common person.
It seems technological advancements (you mentioned how art reproduction costs lowered) always lead to cultural shifts. What will people in 500 years say about the internet's effect on society and culture?
I do appreciate older art, but there's only so much enjoyment I can really get from religious subjects (I'm not religious) and formal portraiture (which can get repetitive). I sometimes say I prefer modern art for this reason, but really the cutoff point is probably here, earlier, where this video examines.
honestly I really regret never having gotten your book, I feel like that would’ve been a more worthwhile purchase than what I’ve done with the money considering how each of your videos blasts open my brain with color, really love what you do and am gonna check in on it :)
It's fascinating how people equate european art history to world art history so easily. Depicting ordinary folks in art could have happened in other civilizations and in different eras.
The reason for that is because painting and drawing has its greatest affinity of quantity and quality to Europeans. It is from western artistic tradition that pervades throughout the world because it’s most admired. The art produced and generally likened by the rest is not derived from east Asia, South Asia and the Middle East but from Europe and it’s extensions.
I'd put a big asterisk on the primary claim of this video. No question that Bruegel is important for the Renaissance tradition of painting and engraving. But one has only to browse the Luttrell Psalter or the Fecamp Psalter or any of a number of late-medieval Books of the Hours (which surely influenced Bruegel) to find non-satirical depictions of common people in labor and leisure. You will find countless more examples if you allow religious scenes, which after all, mainly depict not kings and nobles but peasants and ordinary tradesmen, albeit in elevated circumstances.
Am Dutch. Can clarify. The last name is still around, but spelled differently than in the 16th century. Now it is spelled as Breugel. However, it is unlikely the pronounciation has changed. The eu sound is as in the french word for fire: feu.
@@LilypadOW yes I agree it is purposeful. But, it is presumptuous to assume that broadening the bounds of art is always good. Is there not a subject matter either too sacred or too debased for art? Which is the nature of my request. I would love to know where and if nerdwriter draws a boundary
hey nerdwriter I have been watching your video since the beginning, I love your work. However I find your exclusion of eastern art and art from other culture other than western hemesphere (especially early eras before 1900s) rather disapointing. I think if you want to tell a full story about art and culture only representing western artist is rather disleading. thank you if you spend the time to read this.
Arent there loads of medieval paintings depicting ordinary people? Edit: Yes, there are hundreds... Im guessing this video is taking a narrow view on what counts as "significant" art
This video was less than 5 minutes and it felt like a journey. Thank you!
I know right? It feels like a complete history lesson.
Nerdwriter is a true inspiration and I’m glad you’ve taken off from his work. You guys both make fantastic Art History content.
I don't believe you've ever made a video that I didn't deem worth my time at the end of it. Another fantastic video essay. I loved every second of it. Thank you again Evan for the stellar work.
you might like ladyknighthebrave, she's worth a listen. I think she is amazing
Reminds of the Chinese art "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" which was painted ~450 years earlier. It captures the daily life and bustling activity of people in a prosperous city during the Qingming Festival, which is a traditional Chinese festival that falls around early April. The scroll illustrates the urban life of the time, showcasing various scenes like a bustling marketplace, crowded streets, a bridge over a river, and people engaging in various activities.
Unfortunately when referring to art history most people tend to refer to the western world, even when most of the actual "firsts" were done in different parts of the world.
@@Jarino507 That's true. In this case I didn't mind it so much though, I get what he was expressing in the context of his video. I just thought that if this was the kind of thing that inspires the author and if he wasn't aware of this work, he might be interested to learn about it.
@@Jarino507 Discussing "firsts" in parts of the world that don't feed into the European globalizing era are indications of the common intelligence to be found in all human societies ... but they don't really inform the structure of the world we live in today. Sure, the Mayans had a concept of "zero" before Fibonacci imported the Indian/Arab version to Europe ... but did being first "matter"?
Many civilizations hoarded innovation in their elite classes, hindering extrapolation ... for some reason, in Europe, the merchant/adventurer class had more access.
@@secularmonk5176 It's more so about the fact several non-white artists/inventors often don't get credit despite being the first ones to do things. Also, since this video is about firsts in art history, I'd say it is relevant? Not dissing the creator of the video in any way, just commenting on the unfortunate aspect of society.
In the Netherlands we have this romantic image of people ice skating from paintings like these. As it happened, late 16th century was the coldest period in western Europe during what's called the "little ice age", a period from roughly 1400-1800 where it was colder than usual in western Europe. I thought that was mildly interesting.
Bruegel is one of my favourite artists of all time. I particularly love his style and that of other Early Netherlandish artists because it sits somewhere between the more stylised Gothic art of the Middle Ages and the more naturalistic style of the Baroque era. It gives the scenes of ordinary life he depicts a sense of magic and symbolism that later paintings lack.
Thanks for the reminder of our own Dutch history. We take these paintings and painters kind of for granted. But it is really special.
Belgian
@@chrystianaw8256 Belgium didnt exist back then. Bruegel predates the modern country Belgium by around 300 years. He was one of the most important artists of the Dutch and Flemish Renaissance painting style. So, yes he is part of the Dutch history. Bruessel is also part of the northern Dutch part of Belgium, so even if he had lived in modern times he would still be part of the Dutch history (well and Flemish too).
@@derPetunientopf While it is true that the modern nation state; 'the kingdom of Belgium' was only founded in 1831. Belgium or Belgica used to be the more used latin name for the entire Netherlands before the north elected the term 'Batavia' to differentiate themselves. If you look at old maps of this period, they will call the lands from the Yser to the Wadden islands "Belgium" or "nederland" interchangeably, or the latin name for the Dutch colonies in the Americas: Nieuw Nederland or Nova Belgica. Because at the time the differences weren't as set in stone and pronounced as they are today.
This makes me think of Fredrik Marinus Kruseman's painting "Joy in the dead of winter". One of my favorites. Beautiful skies, buildings and landscapes with people having fun on the ice.
Pieter Bruegel is one of my favourite painters. :)
Beautiful, and a sentiment that would continue to shock the art world. One of my favourites here is “The Angelus” by Jean-François Millet - and amazing to see the impact and repercussions it had during its time.
Thank you again.
I’d always thought of the Romantic era as being the start of “democratic” art. This was so cool to learn about!
Romanticism was in the first half of the XIX century, it has nothing to do with the Renaissance which started 4 centuries earlier. If anything, it was against humanism and rationalism by the way. Both have nothing to do with "democratizing" anything, whatever that might mean
Damn, it ended just as it was taking off. Another awesome video, thanks Evan
We're going to Vienna in november and we're super excited to see a whole lot of Bruegels!
Recently, you featured two pieces from The Detroit Institute of Arts. The Nightmare is on permanent display as well as Bruegel's “The Wedding Dance” in your montage at the end. If you get a chance, pay the museum a visit.
A very nice essay. So short, but so full of information! ❤
I just want to say thank you to the Nerd Writer. Over the years you have almost singlehandedly introduced me and made me passionate and appreciative toward art. Thank you!
I was locked on Hunters In The Snow in a puzzle store like 15 years ago. Have it on my wall now. Love this painter.
I love your art content! Can you do more about John Sargent, he is also my favorite
Beautiful and very interesting. Thanks.
Dear Evan, each video of yours is a true and precious lesson of knowledge. Thank you very much indeed!
3:08 "Dudes, Nerdwriter1 have just uploaded a video!"
Great stuff. People need to know this. Just saw a list of UK public's favourite paintings - No1. Starry Night. No2. A Banksy (?!?!) Piet Bruegel was one of the truly greats, with Bosch and Vermeer. I can stare at his pictures for hours.
Parfait format, merci
Year after year, you have provided us with amazing essays. I am grateful especially this time because I now have 2 new historical figures to explore! Gracias Gracias
Really interesting, I wonder if they could be considered as sort of “photographies” of old times? As in, those paintings appear to be a moment captured in time
nerdwriter + art is my favorite type of video
Now I want to buy a print of such paintings. As a Belgian I should appreciate it more, lovely video!
yea such a wholesome evolution from our area, I think you should! Aquiring art is very worthwhile :)
Thank you so much!
Please post videos regularly. Love from India.
Another fun video essay there NerdWriter. It was really well done and thought out. I enjoy these 5-10 minutes of fun essays. Just the right amount to keep me engaged. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the video. I would love to see one about Jheronimus Bosch!
I knew it was going to be Bruegel from the thumbnail. I love his Blind Leading the Blind.
one of China's most famous scroll paintings captures ordinary people, and painted over 500 years before Bruegel. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Along_the_River_During_the_Qingming_Festival
A Eurocentric view of art history. “Arguably” and “significant” are doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Can it really be argued that prior to 1500, no works of art (music, poetry, painting, literature) depicted the common person.
It almost looks like people are playing hockey in some of these paintings
I just knew him from the Fleet Foxes Album Cover and from Melancholia. But didnt know he was such a revolutionary! Thanks for this video :)
It seems technological advancements (you mentioned how art reproduction costs lowered) always lead to cultural shifts. What will people in 500 years say about the internet's effect on society and culture?
It'll be a hive mind reflecting on its youth ... there won't be "people" 😀
Hey, I'm taking an art survey class right now, great timing!
Bought your book!!!!!!!!!
LOVED YOUR BOOK! Also everyday just gets a bit better whenever I have a chance to watch one of your videos!
Amazing work. I wish this style remained popular amongst modern artists
Want to see more videos like this one❤
So I'm going to write many comments
For the algorithm to improve my recommendations
I really hope I'm going to be recomended more videos like this one
Any chance of making one for Dürer?
I do appreciate older art, but there's only so much enjoyment I can really get from religious subjects (I'm not religious) and formal portraiture (which can get repetitive). I sometimes say I prefer modern art for this reason, but really the cutoff point is probably here, earlier, where this video examines.
The death of icarus is easily his best painting! Can you do a "understanding art" video about it?
honestly I really regret never having gotten your book, I feel like that would’ve been a more worthwhile purchase than what I’ve done with the money considering how each of your videos blasts open my brain with color, really love what you do and am gonna check in on it :)
Yes, please.
It's fascinating how people equate european art history to world art history so easily. Depicting ordinary folks in art could have happened in other civilizations and in different eras.
The reason for that is because painting and drawing has its greatest affinity of quantity and quality to Europeans. It is from western artistic tradition that pervades throughout the world because it’s most admired. The art produced and generally likened by the rest is not derived from east Asia, South Asia and the Middle East but from Europe and it’s extensions.
It's always worth the wait for our videos.
Art is everything
as someone who was born and raised in a town named after brueghel near where bruegel was born this was an immediate click
I love your work, just wish that you would disclaim that you are talking exclusively about european art
I didn't know that some form of hockey was that old. Cool.
3:41 isn't that painting featured in Tarkovsky's Solaris?
@Nerdwriter1 when is your book coming to Audible?
"The Hunters in the Snow" and Caravaggio ;] I see the alignment NW.
AAAAAAAY my boi is back
Beeldenstorm translated literally is the Statuestorming, a very literal name for what was happening
you threw us the Bruegel out
I miss when your videos were longer and not only excerpts from your book. Great material nonetheless.
@2:53 I'm guessing there's some significance to what can be seen in the small mirror but I can quite make it out on my phone
Hey nerdwriter, patiently waiting for the Oppenheimer's review
he's back, baby
as my good friend once said, “no thoughts just vibes”
"not a phone in sight. just people enjoying the moment."
2:26 does anyone know the name and publisher of the book where this page comes from? I’m specifically looking for this book.
@@reflect_ion Hello! Thanks; I already found it on Internet Archive.
I'd put a big asterisk on the primary claim of this video. No question that Bruegel is important for the Renaissance tradition of painting and engraving. But one has only to browse the Luttrell Psalter or the Fecamp Psalter or any of a number of late-medieval Books of the Hours (which surely influenced Bruegel) to find non-satirical depictions of common people in labor and leisure. You will find countless more examples if you allow religious scenes, which after all, mainly depict not kings and nobles but peasants and ordinary tradesmen, albeit in elevated circumstances.
Is it weird that I see a line from Brugel to Where's Waldo
And now we're back at that shit
@@Dimitris_Half i know ,but i was not refering to taste though..... More about gatekeeping
For the algorithm. ✊
Neat.
You should revisit your video on SUCCESSION now that the series is over
Will your book be available in audiobook format? Sorry if this is a dumb question.
Can you make a video differentiating beautiful, picturesque and sublime?
I always pronounced Bruegel as 'Broy gull', not 'Broo gull'. But I'm not Dutch, so I could be wrong.
Am Dutch. Can clarify. The last name is still around, but spelled differently than in the 16th century. Now it is spelled as Breugel. However, it is unlikely the pronounciation has changed. The eu sound is as in the french word for fire: feu.
Great Video, though one nit, you might want to state that your view is centered on European art.
I'm definitely going to buy your ebook for my kindle keep the videos up!
Ah the proles
How the sacred become the profane
I love how concise this is! I agree that the broadening of artistic subjects is good but I would love to hear why you think it is good.
i think it’s a purposefully open ending as he went on to describe the state of art prior, what comes after is basically everything we know today.
@@LilypadOW yes I agree it is purposeful. But, it is presumptuous to assume that broadening the bounds of art is always good. Is there not a subject matter either too sacred or too debased for art? Which is the nature of my request. I would love to know where and if nerdwriter draws a boundary
👏👏👏
I love your videos but I miss subtitles
Love your work mate, thanks for another upload
Did you retitle the video? I liked the old one...
0:27 Worlds first representation of soyface
hey nerdwriter I have been watching your video since the beginning, I love your work. However I find your exclusion of eastern art and art from other culture other than western hemesphere (especially early eras before 1900s) rather disapointing. I think if you want to tell a full story about art and culture only representing western artist is rather disleading. thank you if you spend the time to read this.
Wait. Was that somebody playing hockey 400 years ago?
Can you please do a video on Kim Noble?
Her Characters and Paintings needs to be admired and respected by the wider generation in the public eye
It's good to see something from you!
What about in non-European art? Were there dipictions of common people there?
Muito bom rsrs
0:36 'and'?
the unbridled eurocentrism of this video overshadowed how well put together it was
Yeah, it needs a, “. . . In European Art,” needs to be added to the title
Great video but pls list ALL the art you're using.
The most represented guy in history is a carpenter's son
Once upon a time in Hollywood meme at the painting they put in animal crossing
This video is great because it calls attention to one of those things you never realize but seems obvious in hindsight.
Sickkk loved this
Arent there loads of medieval paintings depicting ordinary people?
Edit: Yes, there are hundreds... Im guessing this video is taking a narrow view on what counts as "significant" art
Me when im on trial in the Catholic Church in the 1500s : bRo It’S jUsT SaTiRe💀
That's it?
Brilliant as always ❤