Latona Turning the Lycians into Frogs 

Pieter Brueghel the Younger painted ‘Latona Turning the Lycians into Frogs’ using oil paint, building up thin layers of pigment bound in linseed or walnut oil, upon a wooden panel. Oil paint allowed Brueghel to achieve remarkable detail and realism, evident in the textures of the trees, water, and human figures. Consider the labor involved in preparing pigments, grinding minerals, and mixing them with oils, a process often done by workshop assistants. Brueghel meticulously applied glazes to create luminosity and depth, as the narrative unfolds amidst this idyllic landscape. The scene depicts a story from Ovid's Metamorphoses, where peasants are transformed into frogs as punishment for denying Latona and her children water. The subject matter itself reflects a fascination with classical mythology, filtered through a distinctly northern European lens. By emphasizing materials, technique, and social context, we can gain a richer understanding of Brueghel’s artistic vision, and also a sense of his position within a sophisticated system of art production.