Artwork

The Seven Deadly Sins: Anger

The Seven Deadly Sins:  Anger, by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, 1558
The Seven Deadly Sins:  Anger, by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, 1558

The Seven Deadly Sins: Anger is a print by the Renaissance artist Pieter Brueghel the Elder. It dates from 1558 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The artist packed in so much detail that every corner has a new horror—like a man being crushed under a tree or a group drowning in a river.

This chaotic scene shows a crowd of wild, naked figures fighting and howling under a stormy sky. In the center, a witch-like woman in a wide hat stirs a bubbling cauldron while a giant bat looms behind her. Around them, people wield weapons, some are trampled, and a few cower in fear—one even rides a giant cat. The background crams in tiny scenes of war, torture, and a burning village, all packed into a dark, swirling landscape.

The text at the bottom reads *"Ora Tument Ira"* (Latin for "Anger swells"), hinting this is one of the Seven Deadly Sins. The artist packed in so much detail that every corner has a new horror—like a man being crushed under a tree or a group drowning in a river.

Next, check out Pieter Bruegel (Netherlandish, c. 1525/30–1569) to see how he turned everyday chaos into art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pieter Brueghel the Elder

Artist

Pieter Brueghel the Elder

Pieter Bruegel (also Brueghel or Breughel) the Elder ( BROY-gəl, US also BROO-gəl; Dutch: ; c.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.