The Resurrection c. 1580

Pieter Bruegel the Elder made this print, The Resurrection, in the mid-16th century. Bruegel lived during a period of intense religious upheaval, witnessing the rise of the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent religious wars that tore through Europe. In this print, Bruegel challenges traditional representations of the Resurrection by setting it in a chaotic, earthly realm. Soldiers are sprawled on the ground, oblivious to the divine event unfolding, their humanity evident in their vulnerability. The witnesses, huddled together, are rendered with an expressive realism that reflects the emotional turbulence of the time. By grounding the sacred narrative in a tangible, relatable world, Bruegel invites viewers to question the role of religion and its impact on their lives. Bruegel's "Resurrection" reflects the societal issues of faith, power, and human fallibility, reminding us that even in moments of transcendence, the complexities of human existence persist.