Where Is Big fishes eat small fishes? Museum Location

Q: What does this image mean?

It illustrates the proverb that big fish eat small fish, meaning the powerful exploit the weak. A Bruegel specialty.

Q: Where is this print displayed?

The Albertina in Vienna holds this work in its extensive prints collection.

Q: What does this image represent?

It's a visual proverb about the powerful consuming the weak. Pieter Bruegel the Elder often used Flemish proverbs as subjects, combining humor and moral commentary in densely detailed prints.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder designed this allegorical print showing a giant fish being cut open to reveal smaller fish inside. The smaller fish in turn have even tinier fish in their mouths. It illustrates the proverb about the powerful consuming the weak.

The design was later engraved by Pieter van der Heyden. Bruegel's moralizing imagery draws from Netherlandish proverb traditions. The work is held at the Albertina in Vienna.

It illustrates the proverb that big fish eat small fish, meaning the powerful exploit the weak. A Bruegel specialty.

The Albertina in Vienna holds this work in its extensive prints collection.

It's a visual proverb about the powerful consuming the weak. Pieter Bruegel the Elder often used Flemish proverbs as subjects, combining humor and moral commentary in densely detailed prints.

Big fishes eat small fishes

Where to See It

The Artist

More by Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Soldiers at Rest

Mountain landscape with a river

The Fight between Carnival and Lent

Pride

Also at Albertina, Vienna

Jesus boy with Globe

Self-Portrait with a wrap

Portrait of Emilie Flöge

Two squirrels

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About Big fishes eat small fishes

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