Hans Bol was a Dutch artist who played a prominent role in the development of landscape art in the Netherlands during the 16th century. He was influenced by his contemporary Pieter Breughel the Elder and often mixed realistic details with imaginary elements in his works.

Bol's landscapes often featured figures depicting biblical and ordinary people, or a combination of the two. In his later years, he created a series of the Four Seasons, depicting the activities characteristic of each season.

Born in Mechelen, Hans Bol first learned the technique of painting in tempera on canvas, before developing his important graphic work of wash drawings, gouaches and prints. In 1572, after the arrival of the Spanish, Hans Bol left Mal...