Proverbs | Pieter Bruegel the Elder | 1559

This intricate painting depicts a bustling Flemish village where over a hundred Dutch proverbs and idioms are brought to life through vivid imagery. Each character and scenario illustrates a specific saying, creating a tapestry of human folly and wisdom. For example, at the center, a woman drapes a blue cloak over her husband, symbolizing deceit—a visual representation of the proverb "to put a blue cloak" on someone, meaning to deceive them. Nearby, a man bangs his head against a brick wall, embodying the futility expressed in the saying "to bang one's head against a brick wall." The composition is dense, with each vignette seamlessly blending into the next, inviting viewers to explore and interpret the myriad of expressions depicted.​

Bruegel's work serves as a satirical commentary on the absurdity and vice prevalent in society. By illustrating these proverbs, he not only captures the vernacular wisdom of his time but also critiques the universal nature of human foolishness. The painting's alternate titles, "The Blue Cloak" and "The Topsy Turvy World," suggest a world turned upside down, reflecting the chaotic and often contradictory nature of human behavior. Through this visual compendium of sayings, Bruegel encourages viewers to reflect on their own actions and the societal norms of their day.