The Peasant Wedding

Peter Bruegel was born in village called Bruegel near Breda, but not everyone knows he was given there a nickname "Ribald Peter". In 1551 Bruegel came to Antwerp to work for Hans Franckert- a well known merchant, who became his close friend. You may ask why Pieter Bruegel was called a "Ribald Pieter" ? The answer is in the way Bruegel liked to entertain himself and his friend Franckert. They liked to dress up as a peasants and go to village weddings, saying they are from bride's side or that they are family of a groom. They would give a young couple traditional gift, and blend with other guests. This what made Bruegel happy, spending time with peasants and watching them drinking, eating and dancing.