The Blue Cloak

The Blue Cloak, or De Blauwe Huik, refers to an old title for a popular 1559 painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder with a series of Netherlandish Proverbs. The painting, which is not inscribed, teases the viewer into guessing proverbs. It is based on a 1558 engraving by Frans Hogenberg that is accompanied by a written title and written proverbs. The title of that engraving is Die blau huicke is dit meest ghenaemt, maer des weerelts abvisen he beter betaempt (English: Often called 'The Blue Cloak', this could better be called 'The World's Follies'). The popularity of both the print and the painting can be seen from the number of copies that have survived, as well as later engravings and genre works inspired from individual scenes in the original print. Theodoor Galle also made a print, dated later, with a similar title: Dese wtbeeldinghe wort die blauw hvyck genaemt, maer deze werelts abvysen haer beter betaemt.