The Tower of Babel

Joos de Momper's Tower of Babel from 1595 draws on the famous tradition established by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, who painted the definitive versions of this Old Testament subject in the 1560s. De Momper's interpretation combines the architectural fantasy of the tower with his own expertise in rendering dramatic geological formations. Characteristic of Younger's approach, the work displays sweeping panoramic landscapes with warm tonality, layered atmospheric recession, theatrical rock formations.

The monumental tower rises against a landscape panorama, combining architectural detail with the atmospheric effects and mountain forms that were de Momper's particular strength.