Michael Gibson's perceptive eye and limpid prose lead the viewer effortlessly through the story of Christ's passion as told in Bruegel's Way to Calvary - an astonishing work laced with allusions to the harsh political and religious climate King Philip II of Spain imposed on the artist's native land. Having sketched out the historical background, Gibson goes on to argue the painting's relevance to the contemporary world. In doing so, he develops an innovative theory of image and myth.

Never before has a single work by Bruegel been as carefully scrutinized and exhaustively described. This book effectively establishes him as an immensely creative genius and a major figure in Western art.