The Seven Deadly Sins: Anger

1558

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

The Seven Deadly Sins: Anger is a 1558 by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Pieter Brueghel the Elder
When & what style?: 1558 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

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.