The Masquerade of Ourson and Valentin

The Masquerade of Ourson and Valentin by Netherlandish 16th Century artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder, dated 1566, is a significant example of Northern European graphic art during the late Renaissance. Executed as a woodcut, this large format print exemplifies the rich tradition of popular visual narratives and moralizing scenes characteristic of the Netherlandish school during the period spanning 1551 to 1600. The complexity inherent in a woodcut of this scale demonstrates the high level of technical skill achieved by graphic artists working concurrently with the development of the Northern Renaissance style.

The subject matter, implied by the title, likely draws upon popular folklore or a specific dramatic or seasonal event, typical of the allegorical and observational approach favored by the Elder. Bruegel frequently employed scenes of masking, feasting, or rustic celebrations to explore human folly and social customs, imbuing these detailed compositions with both humor and subtle moral critique. The wide distribution of such prints served as an essential means of disseminating the artist's sophisticated visual ideas widely across the region, cementing his reputation for keen social and landscape observation within the Netherlandish milieu.

This important work is preserved in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), where it contributes to the museum’s comprehensive holdings of European prints from the 16th century. Surviving original prints from this era, particularly those related to the Elder, are significant historical documents, offering detailed insight into the visual culture of the period. Because the original artwork is historically old and often falls under the classification of public domain material, high-quality reproductions of The Masquerade of Ourson and Valentin remain crucial resources for scholars studying the monumental development of graphic arts in the culture of 1551 to 1600.