Brueghel the Elder and Rottenhammer became acquainted in Rome and created works together. Their cooperation continued even after they returned to their respective towns. For this particular painting, Brueghel sent Rottenhammer his landscapes into which the latter inserted his figures.
Collaboration between artists can be viewed as a test of putting the ego aside so to work toward a common idea, and based on mutual respect. There are many examples in art of this collaboration and continues today.
For this particular painting, Brueghel sent Rottenhammer his landscapes into which the latter inserted his figures.
For the record, regularly I omit huge landscapes which feature the biblical scene in a tiny corner of the canvas (not the case in this one). By now, that must amount to several dozen of them. I just don't see the point of them.
Thank you most sincerely etabeta. This is one reason I LOVE coming here; there are some who know a great deal, and they share their knowledge from their generosity =:^)