The Fall of the Rebel Angels
Historical Context
The Fall of the Rebel Angels, painted by Bruegel in 1562, depicts the archangel Michael casting Lucifer and his followers from heaven, a subject from the Book of Revelation. The painting reveals Bruegel's debt to Hieronymus Bosch in its fantastical hybrid creatures and hellish imagery, while adding his own sophisticated compositional organization. The theme of cosmic rebellion and divine punishment had obvious resonance in the politically turbulent Netherlands.
Technical Analysis
The composition creates a dynamic swirl of falling figures radiating from the central figure of Michael, with the rebel angels transforming into grotesque hybrid creatures as they fall. The palette transitions from celestial gold at the top to murky greens and browns at the bottom.
