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This is one of the most popular compositions of Pieter Brueghel the Younger. In contrast with the majority of his compositions, it is not derived from one of his father's work, it probably has a French origin. Known in numerous versions, of which some twenty-five are considered autograph, the earliest dated version is from the year 1615. Brueghel produced the composition in two sizes, the smaller format measuring approximately 55 by 87 cm, and the larger format, such as the present example, measuring approximately 76 by 123 cm. The overall design was done from a tracing and so remains largely the same in the various versions. However, Brueghel modified his use of colour and tone from one work to another.
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