Cocktails with a Curator: Bruegel the Elder’s “Three Soldiers”

In this week’s episode of “Cocktails with a Curator,” Deputy Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator Xavier F. Salomon discusses “The Three Soldiers” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, one of only a few works by the artist outside Europe. Bruegel is best known for his lively and often comical peasant scenes, but here he takes as his subject three landsknechts, or German mercenary foot soldiers. Currently on view on the second floor of Frick Madison, this grisaille painting shows a drummer, a standard-bearer, and a fifer outfitted in flamboyant costume (and presumably urging their fellow soldiers into battle). This week’s complementary cocktail is the Radler, a mixture of lemonade and lager favored in German-speaking lands north of the Alps.
To make a donation to the Annual Fund in support of programs like “Cocktails with a Curator” by the end of our fiscal year on June 30, click on the Donate button below the video or visit us at www.frick.org/annual_fund
To view this painting in detail, please visit our website: www.frick.org/bruegel3soldiers

[@frickcollection]

FEATURED COCKTAIL: Radler (lager beer and lemonade, chilled); the mocktail is chilled lemonade. For the complete recipes, visit www.frick.org/cocktails-curator For more information on Frick Madison and to purchase tickets, visit: www.frick.org/madison-tickets Get the Frick at your fingertips. Join our email list for art, events, and museum and library news straight to your inbox. Sign up: thefrick.org/enews Donate Today: www.frick.org/annual-fund

[@andreareiter9895]

No, no, no! Don't end "Cocktails with a Curator." Everyone loves it. Older people and people out of town will be devastated!

[@elizabethkent9647]

Please don’t end “Cocktails With The Curator”. I enjoy them tremendously.

[@marcocarletti1500]

this is an original way to speak about art

[@Leebearify]

There is no way to say thank you enough, I have loved every minute of your visits to my home. I honestly feel as though you are almost family and that I could call you by your first name and give a greeting hug. If I ever make it to the Frick I will try and make an appointment to meet each of you. I have learned so much and been able to read more in depth on all of the historical events and people and appreciate an entire genre that I missed out on. I shall miss you all more than I can express. I sent you my donation.

[@ellenlayman1143]

Your Breugel presentation was fascinating as Breugel's works are fascinating - endlessly. So sorry that the 65th episode will be the last; you've all been wonderful - thank you.

[@katiepeters1562]

Devastated that Cocktails with a Curator is ending. This has been such a wonderful escape, resource, entertainment, and so much more. Yes, things are opening up but for those of us who can not travel for anything more than one "bucket list" trip to NYC, our newfound access to the Frick will be such a tremendous loss. I have so loved this series. Thank you for the time and effort that yall have put into it. Yall are a national treasure.

[@robyncarter5135]

DITTO!

[@davidbudgen9467]

NO! You can't do this to us! Your talks have been a godsend throughout the lockdown, a real rendez-vous each week. Always fascinating, beautifully narrated and informative. We are all impressed how well you spin a tale from what often, at least initially, looks unpromising material. PLEASE if not this format, then some other but with the same narrative and informative bent. Bravo! This jointly from at least five followers...

[@divey6303]

This series has been a light in the darkness during the pandemic and has shown what can be done for art lovers world-wide. It is a tremendous public offering and public service, and an original one, started by the Frick. I would hope that the Frick would continue these remarkable forays into the world of art, and behind the scenes, as a continuing gift and service , perhaps not on a weekly basis, but on a regular schedule. It would give so many people the chance to learn, and live with works of art that are unavailable to them. Not everyone lives in a city with a museum.

[@tinapenzel5374]

Will miss this time with Xavier and other curators so sad😰😰wish it would be eternal💕

[@nebulonicon]

I will miss you something turrible. This series was the absolute best, so thank you for the time you put into creating and presenting the episodes to us, and for your charm and erudition.

[@lorrainesmith-phelan8209]

As a New Yorker I’m very happy that the Frick and other museums are open again. But I’m really sad that “Cocktails with a Curator” is ending. I’ll miss those Friday afternoons. 😿

[@PHlophe]

Lorraine, Que Triste ! indeed.

[@CoolGrimalkin]

I feel as though I've lost some friends, not to mention the art. I doubt I'll ever get to the Frick and this has been a wonderful experience. It would be terrific if you could carry on with these, even monthly. Thank you so much.

[@sstavsky]

They should continue "Cocktails with a Curator" past the pandemic (maybe indefinitely?). It's been entertaining and informative to many people.

[@beiderbecke1927]

My heart is breaking at the thought of this series ending. As one who, for many reasons, lives in a perpetual pandemic mode, your videos have been a window into enlightenment. Beyond your expert curatorial insights, you've created a sense of intimacy not associated with museums. I've spent these weeks in eager anticipation of these videos, and though I've failed to match your cocktails, I'm always present with my gin-and-tonic or highball. I will have one or the other in hand on July 16th, and it will be augmented by copious tears.

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

Good idea. Will make mine bubbly...!

[@SexyBakanishi]

Yes… the intimacy is what’s really lacking in other art presentations…. That’s what makes this series so different…. );

[@SexyBakanishi]

No no no no no you can’t leave us!!! What will those of us so far away do without you! This is absolutely the best art introductions I have come across on the internet! I feel so connected…. How much money would we need to raise to keep this series going, if even only once a month?

[@moragbailey7602]

So sorry the serious is ending. Thank you so much to all involved. Hopefully I will be able to travel from UK to New York next year to visit this wonderful collection.

[@rancoxxl]

How can such an excellent program end? No no no, it would be like loosing friends that had help us go through this pandemic and open our minds and souls to the arts. Please continue the program, you are so special. Greetings from Chile.

[@alixnicoll6280]

The thought of Fridays without Cocktails with a curator is devastating - you have sustained me during the pandemic and introduced me to works of art that I would never have know about - I have learned and listened and am planning a trip to N.Y. to see you all and the amazing collection that you share with us - your joy and love and respect for the pieces that you have discussed with us do you and the Frick such credit. I will miss you and do hope that maybe in fall you will consider a return as the days get longer and we need some light in our lives again. from Canada with thanks - Alix

[@clairekhalil3222]

O Dear ..do not disappear! We LOVE you. We need you. WE need intelligent curators opening up our minds to scholarly fancy It is a pleasure and a journey. Continue in a new way BUT PLEASE continue. I shall write you three a written letter soon. I loved Edgar Munhall He helped me to do my painting of the entire Frick Collection upper stairs and downstairs 1982. Sincerely, Claire Anne Khalil You three kept my artistic soul Alive during this Year of horror

[@beth6445]

To you, Aimee and Giulio, what a fabulous year (and more) you have given us. Your dedication, research, knowledge and generosity have been inspiring. The Frick has always been my favorite museum when visiting New York. After what you have given all of us, no words can really describe what an honor it will always be to walk through your door. (And as an aside - great job on cocktail selections.) Cheers from New Orleans and wishing you and the Frick continued success.

[@suesmith6765]

I will really, really miss these wonderfully researched and presented programmes. Working from home here in the UK since March 2020, they have been such a wonderful way I've been able to "switch off" and enter the world of art. Doubt I'll ever be able to actually get to the Frick so thank you SO much for sharing your collection and your knowledge with me.

[@rosemarycaruso9071]

I really can’t describe to you how much I have enjoyed every single episode of Cocktails with a Curator. I have learnt so much about art history, about artists, about sculpture and porcelain as well as painting. Because of this series I became a member of the Frick as my way of saying THANK YOU. I wish it could go on forever but I look forward to visiting the Frick Madison and shall look at all the works through new eyes. Thank you so very much.

[@cheeto32216]

Wonderful presentation yet again. You have kept us alive during the pandemic. Thank you!

[@robertmeadows-rogers6863]

Thank you so much, Xavier, Aimee, and Giulio ---- You have given us so much of yourselves and your joy in the beautiful works that add what we all need to go forward. We are so proud of the Frick and its sensitivity to the needs of its audience. Bravo!!! We are in your corner! With much affection, Rob Meadows-Rogers and Nadine Hundertmark

[@highseasailing8624]

Love thèse So much! Please keep them going!

[@pyzikscott]

Once a month, or once a quarter post pandemic? These programs are fantastic!

[@pegnorth2818]

These have been fantastic, would lovely if they could in some way continue.....

[@jennymatheson806]

Thank you. Grazie. Merci. I have so enjoyed listening to this every week here in Sydney. This is such a great example for art educators across the world. I am sad this is finishing as we are once again in lockdown in Sydney and it is the middle of winter. You have inspired me to become a volunteer at our Art Gallery here in Sydney. I will be revisiting and keeping up to date with the Frick online. It will be my first port of call when/if we can return to New York. I am hoping we might know what the painting/print/engraving is behind Xavier each week hanging from the bookcase (behind his right shoulder so to our left).

[@lorettabertoli3736]

The Italian word for these soldiers is very similar, lanzichenecchi. Actually my father is often called lanzichenecco by a friend from southern Italy because we live in northern Italy and we do have (quite far) Austrian ancestry. I'm so gutted cocktails with a curator is going to end but I guess all good things eventually do. Cheers x

[@ennawilkinson4681]

Thankyou for all your hard work presenting these talks, they made lockdown bearable. I hope to get back to The Frick soon!

[@janetthomas8244]

It has been wonderful Xavier. Thanks so much. Sorry to see it ending.

[@janie7242]

Thank you for the informative series, hope all of you will set up a more permanent program for the year to come! Love the format, and wonderful presentations! Great success! Definitely will miss the Friday "Cocktails with a Curator" on YT! 🤗❤️

[@tinapenzel5374]

Great lecture sorry series is ending Xavier is a rare gem tinap

[@becharb]

this is fabulous and iI am sorry it needs end. Thank you so much

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

Well they say all good things come to an end, as they must I suppose. You haven't just filled my Fridays with your cultural excellence but with your erudition, scholarship and professionalism. (And probably your abilitity to present us with a wide range of drinks, most of which I'v never heard of!). ditto your colleagues. I hope you can all enjoy a well-earned break and I really hope I can get to NY and visit your magnificent treasure house; soon. Thank you very much and in the words of my country, Diolch yn fawr.

[@TheMiguelBarata]

Please, do not end this videos! They are amazing!!!

[@pattersondsmccd]

So grateful for this series! I’ve never felt so connected to any museum as I have felt about these three curators and the Frick.

[@susprime7018]

Thanks to you and your colleagues.

[@joanrderosa]

Cheers, Xavier! It's been a marvelous virtual ride through the fabulous collection at the Frick, and will bring all the more enjoyment to my actual visits. Thank you!

[@olga138]

For those of us who are too old and have bad feet, this has been the only way to "visit" a museum. I hope that perhaps you could get a graduate student or intern to continue this work---with guidance from the curators, of course. There is so little on KZbin about art. Ending this series will be a serious loss to many of us.

[@patricialewinska1351]

Another fascinating programme and once again I have learnt something new. I am so sorry that 'Cocktails with a Curator' is finishing in a few weeks. As I live in the UK my chance of visiting the Frick anytime soon is remote but these weekly presentations have been constant rays of light during dark times. Thank you all so much.

[@monab1214]

Loved all those "cocktails with a curator" especially during that horrid covid confinement. Very enriching episodes very well presented, from the bottom of my heart A BIG THANK YOU to all of you. BRAVO

[@EricaNernie]

Thank you from Australia.

[@sharonchartier1592]

Thank you ! I really enjoyed this series!

[@annishilcock4587]

Thank you Xavier. It has been an incredible experience to have looked, listened, and learnt from the stories you have researched and presented to us. One day, hopefully in the not too distant future, I will travel again to New York, one of my favourite cities even though Barneys is no more, and visit the Frick to see with my own eyes the works you have woven your fascinating tales around. Until then.

[@laurajantek2562]

Will miss these talks, they have been wonderfully informative.. this trio reminds me of the fife and drummers by Willard, “spirit of 1776”

[@jadar6141]

tthank you--wonderful-just got a ticket for next friday to see this small grisaille!

[@johnAsanz]

After 62 episodes of 'cocktails' you must all be ready for rehab.

[@carlabroderick5508]

One of your most fascinating lectures.

[@dweeb99]

Another marvelous explication by our guide Xavier, grazie! However, at 8:15 he says the hand in the purse is the collector wishing to buy. Oh, no! It's the same as today's hand in the trouser pocket. Protecting one's money! Try bargaining with somebody and watch where your adversary puts his (her) hands. Bruegel was a sly observer.

[@Lance2094]

Thank you for this series. 👌

[@fritzmasten7675]

Don't leave us

[@cynthiachaplincamput8813]

Ok - I'll "bite" on the allusion - Xavier is the standard bearer, Aimee is playing the fife - and Giulio is playing the drum. Yes, I will be sad to see these episodes end, but I understand the necessity to move on to different projects. Change is part of life. Something special and fabulous should end. I feel quite close to the Frick now - and can't wait to come to NYC to see Frick Madison. Thanks for a great program!

[@bernadettepowelltonyhowlet1717]

I understand you can't keep doing this forever, Xavier, Julio and Amy. I've enjoyed all the episodes tremendously. I will give some thought as to which of you is the drummer, the pfifer or the standard bearer.

[@ritabiro5105]

Dear Mr.Salamon l was never much found Breugels paintings and tok care not much of them I saw in Hungary as I didnt understand but according your explanation find still a muzeumpiece.The swissguards are really very handsame and the costmes suits them.On saturday l went to e few muzeums as this nigt is important for all artloving people.thanks

[@xjAlbert]

I became a Frick member because of this Cocktails series ʕ•́؈•̀ʔ

[@christinahill8498]

So sad to see you go! It’s been a lot of fun!

[@lindaquirk7406]

“Cocktails” was a highlight of the week and the perfect way to absorb art history! Sorry it ended!!

[@luciemedici]

Hello from Warwick, NY In the wonderful Hudson Valley

[@jamesrobiscoe1174]

Thank you for your enlightening commentaries. You comment on the feathered cap but not upon the most peculiar codpieces. Fashion has always been weird, I guess.

[@fritzmasten7675]

Noooooooooo!!!!

[@marcocarletti1500]

Great

[@eroneil]

A masculine pendant to the Three Fates?

[@ratanafashih7930]

Would it be possible that at least the drummer and the flutist were engaged in a rehearsal of their "show"?

[@arthistprof6]

As an art historian that lives in the Midwest and does not have access to the New York collections the way I used to when I lived there, I am so sad to hear that you are discontinuing the cocktails in a curator series. It was my way to connect with fellow Art Historians, although virtually, In an academic setting that is not only entertaining but also educational. Please reconsider this choice.

[@a-complished4406]

No more cocktails with the curator? 😳😫😢

[@marcocarletti1500]

Only three episodes ...

[@galleryguide9913]

The rather extravagant costume of the landsknecht seem a little odd to the modern viewer, however, it seems less so when show with the Renaissance parade uniforms of the Papal Swiss Guards.

[@lindabarry7867]

He smiled!

[@s.robertpowell5464]

The "Three Soldiers" is NOT monochromatic.