Netherlandish Proverbs

If you know of the incredible baroque-pop band, Fleet Foxes, you might recognize this painting as the cover of their self-titled full-length album.
The artwork itself is a 1559 painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. It depicts literal renditions of Dutch proverbs of the day. This has been the subject of my fascination for the past week. Here are some explanations of the most absurd ones (in the following format: Kaelan's observations ("Dutch proverb"): Meaning.):


Two bums sticking out the window ("They both shit through the same hole"): They are in agreement.

Creepy Satan-like creature ("To even be able to tie the devil to a pillow"): Obstinacy overcomes everything.

(No commentary is needed for this one) ("To bang one's head against a brick wall"): To try to achieve the impossible.

Two peasants doin' it! (A. "To stick out the broom" or B. "To marry under the broomstick"): A. To have fun while the master is away or B. To live together without marrying.

When the peasants became desperately hungry... ("To be a pillar-biter"): To be a religious hypocrite.

And more!
Here's a stunning video of the Fleet Foxes in an abandoned wing of the Grand Palais, in Paris.

Fleet Foxes - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Cheers,
Kaelan.