A 1568 tempera painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, depicting a sombre man being robbed by a deceitful figure, illustrating themes of human folly.

The Misanthrope, painted in 1568, is a circular work executed in tempera on linen. It depicts an elderly, bearded man dressed in a dark, voluminous cloak, walking with a stoic, downward gaze. He is followed by a smaller, grotesque figure who crouches behind him, actively cutting the purse from the old man's robe. The thief is encased within a transparent globe, a visual metaphor for the deceitful nature of the world.

The composition is set within a wide, open field, featuring a distant windmill and a shepherd tending to a flock. The contrast between the solitary, sombre figure of the misanthrope and the opportunistic thief creates a narrative of human folly. The inscription at the bottom, written in Middle Dutch, translates to: 'Because the world is so treacherous, I am going in mourning.' This text provides the moral framework for the scene, suggesting that the old man's withdrawal from society is a reaction to the pervasive dishonesty he encounters.

Bruegel employs a muted palette, dominated by earth tones, ochres, and the deep, dark fabric of the protagonist's cloak. The circular format, or tondo, focuses the viewer's attention on the interaction between the two figures. The painting reflects the artist's interest in human behaviour and the moral complexities of his time. The precise brushwork and the careful rendering of the figures demonstrate his mastery of detail. This work remains a clear example of the Northern Renaissance tradition, where moral instruction is woven into the depiction of everyday life and human character types.