The Legend of the Baker of Eekloo 1550 - 1650

"The Legend of the Baker of Eekloo" is a 16th-century oil painting by Cornelis van Dalem, depicting a fantastical tale of a baker who, it is said, baked bread with human heads. The scene is set within a bakery, where the baker and his assistants can be seen preparing the dough, while figures in the background engage in a range of interactions. The use of dark, rich colors and a checkered floor creates a sense of depth and detail in the scene, while the grotesquely comical elements of the narrative draw the viewer into a world of myth and legend. The work provides a snapshot into the visual culture of 16th-century Europe, revealing both the fascination with folklore and the artistic skill of van Dalem, known for his detailed and often humorous depictions of daily life.