BRUEGEL, Pieter the Elder
(b. ca. 1525, Brogel, d. 1569, Brussel)

The Fair at Hoboken

1559
Pen and Indian ink, 265 x 394 mm
Courtauld Gallery, London

We know regarding the Netherlanders that they were fond of extravagant celebrations, and would cover considerable distances in order to participate in the festivities of other places. The dead were buried in the immediate proximity of the church; however, graveyards were not considered to be particularly solemn places.

At the bottom edge of the picture, a fool is leading two children by the hand, in accordance with the motto "Folly leads men".