Early Renaissance Art in Northern Europe

The Early RenaissanceNorthern Europe in 15th Century

FlandersFlemish Art

Flanders was in Southern Netherlands in Northern Europe

The city of Bruges was the commercial center of Northern Europe

The center of painting outside Italy in the 15th Century was in Flanders

Northern European Early Renaissance Art

vs.

Italian Early Renaissance Art

Italian Early Renaissance Art

• Fresco Painting / Tempera Painting

• Classic Greek and Roman Themes

• Nude Figures

Northern European Early Renaissance Art

• Oil Painting (sharp detail)

• Portraits

• Symbolism

Oil Painting• Flemish Artist Jan van Eyck credited with inventing oil painting in 1400s

• Previously, artists used fresco and tempera paint, but those mediums dry too quickly and difficult to create sharp details

• Jan van Eyck wanted his painting to look more realistic with vivid details to “mimic nature” and to create symbolism

• Italians commissioned paintings from Northern European artists – impressed by the technique and the style

Patrons of the ArtsA person who donates money toward the Arts – helping Society

CommissionTo hire an artist to make Art especially for you

Jan van EyckMan in a Red Turban (self-portrait)

Flemish Artists used Symbols to communicate ideas

The symbols used were recognized by most people at the time (common symbols)

Altarpieces

Altarpieces placed at the front of a church

Series of Wood Panels with religious stories

Robert Campin, Merode Altarpiece, 1425 – 1428, Oil on Wood

Robert Campin, Merode Altarpiece,

1425 – 1428, Oil on Wood

Annunciation Theme – Angel Gabriel comes to visit Virgin Mary

Triptych – painting with three panels (altarpiece)

Northern European Style architecture, human figures look European

Symbolism – extinguished candle, lillies, white towel – symbols of Virgin Mary’s purity

Left panel – Peter Engelbrect and wife – patrons (painting commissioned for private use) and artist (Campin) in background in doorway

Right panel – Joseph (Virgin Mary’s husband) working in his wood shop

Robert Campin, Merode Altarpiece (detail)

Fra Angelico, AnnuciationRobert Campin, Merode Altarpiece

Ghent Altarpiece

Jan Van Eyck

Ghent Altarpiece Jan Van Eyck, 1432

Jan Van Eyck, Ghent Altarpiece (detail of Adam), 1432, Oil on Wood

Jan Van Eyck, Ghent Altarpiece (detail of Adam), 1432, Oil on Wood

Altarpiece in Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium

Theme of Altarpiece is Salvation (God as Savior – Humans Saved by God)

Adam fits into a “Niche” – small space

Not very emotional

Naked figure (covering himself)

Masaccio, Expulsion of Adam and Eve

Compare Style

Technique Medium

Mood Composition

Hieronymus Bosch Garden of Earthly Delights

Hieronymus BoschGarden of Earthly Delights

(Detail)Oil on Wood Panel

c. 1500

Hieronymus BoschGarden of Earthly Delights (Detail)

Hieronymus BoschGarden of Earthly Delights (Detail)Oil on Wood Panelc. 1500

Hieronymus BoschGarden of Earthly Delights

Oil on Wood Panelc. 1500

• Triptych – 3 Panels• Left panel – Garden of Eden

(heaven) with Adam and Eve• Middle Panel – Earthly

Delights • Right Panel – Hell

• Fantasy – World of Dreams and Nightmares

• Satire - poking fun

• Theme of sin and corruption

Graphic Arts in Northern Europe

Martin Shongauer, Saint Anthony Tormented by Demons, 1480 – 1490, Engraving

Martin Shongauer, Saint Anthony Tormented by Demons, 1480 – 1490, Engraving

Martin Shongauer considered one of the best Engravers – he influenced many artists in 15th Century

Stoic Saint Surrounded by demons who claw and tear at him

Many different textures

Compare Style

Technique Subject

Composition Mood

Antonio Pollaiuolo, Battle of the Ten Nudes

Portraits

Tradition of the Greeks and Romans

Immortality – Your image will live forever

Publicize their “Greatness”

Augustus of PrimaportaAncient Roman Portrait Sculpture

1st Century CE

Jan Van Eyck, Man in a Red

Turban, 1433, Oil on Wood

Jan Van Eyck, Man in a Red

Turban, 1433, Oil on Wood

Self-Portrait of Jan van Eyck

Artist as Genius – Greatness

Exotic Red Turban (well-traveled / worldly / international)

Showing his “true self” – stubble, wrinkles in skin

Light focused on his face / dark background

Jan Van Eyck, Giovanni

Arnolfini and His Bride, 1434,

Oil on Wood

Jan Van Eyck, Giovanni Arnolfini and His Bride, 1434, Oil on Wood

Marriage Portrait for Italian Couple

Symbolism – Colors, Objects, Placement

Composition (Circle)

Jan van Eyck reflection in mirror (self-portrait)