Prado restores Bruegel the Elder's 'Triumph of Death'

In Madrid, the Museo del Prado has completed the restoration of 'The Triumph of Death' (1562-1563) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Acquired by the Spanish Royal Collections in the 18th century, the restoration process, which lasted a year and a half, was overseen by conservators María Antonia López de Asiain and José de la Fuente, with assistance from the Iberdrola Foundation. The artwork, constructed from four oak panels, was reassembled using steel springs and nylon screws. Cleaning the paint surface uncovered original colors and details, including Bruegel's fingerprints. Alejandro Vergara highlighted Bruegel's fusion of medieval tradition and satire, which has inspired artists such as Velázquez and Goya. The Prado also possesses another Bruegel piece, 'The Wine of the Feast of Saint Martin' (1566-1567), which has been restored but lacks vibrancy.