Rest on the Flight into Egypt

1589–1596

Travel: Italy

1592–1594

Meets Cardinal Federico Borromeo

In Rome Brueghel enjoyed the protection of Cardinal Ascanio Colonna and met Cardinal Federico Borromeo, a leading figure of the Counter-Reformation and an avid collector, who became his lifelong friend and patron. The painter took up residence in Borromeo's Palazzo Vercelli.

1592–1594

Friendship with the landscape painter Paul Bril

In Rome Brueghel befriended the Antwerp landscape painter Paul Bril; the two worked together and influenced each other, Jan drawing inspiration from Bril's lively drawings and small landscapes. Brueghel lived in Rome until 1595.

1592–1594 · Virkested

Rome

c. 1595

Collaboration with Hans Rottenhammer begins

In Rome Brueghel became acquainted with the German painter Hans Rottenhammer, a master of small cabinet pictures on copper who introduced him to Venetian art. Their collaboration lasted until 1610: later Brueghel sent coppers with landscapes from Antwerp to Venice, where Rottenhammer painted in the figures and sent them back.

1595–1596 · Virkested

Milan