renaissance painting in northern europe chapter 17

Renaissance Painting in Northern Europe

Chapter 17

International StylePaintings show concern for accurate and precise details

Symbolism more importantsingle burning candle = the presence of God

dog = symbol of loyalty

Development of New Paint Techniques

Previously, used temperaTempera: dry pigments mixed with a binder, usually egg yolk

Tempera applied to surface prepared with smooth coat of gesso.

Paint Techniques (cont.)

Gesso: mixture of glue and a white pigment such as plaster, chalk, or white clay

Produced a hard, brilliant surface

Oil Paints developed in FlandersOil paint: mixture of dry pigments with oils, turpentine, and sometimes varnish

Allowed artists to create various surface textures: Transparent smooth glaze Thick richly textured surfaceLine, form, & color controlled to create subtle, varied, 3-D works

Oil Paints (cont.)More brilliant colors Allowed blending of color areas

Aerial perspective refined: hazy appearance of objects farthest from viewer.

Help achieve realistic light and shadow = consistent shadow = realistic picture

Oil Paints (cont.)Remained wet and could work on it for extended length of time Able to include more details & make corrections

Robert Campin“The Master of Flémalle”Style characterized by naturalistic and sculptural conceptions

Replaced the decorative International Style of the late Middle Ages.

Robert Campin

Known for:Attention to detailUse of familiar contemporary settings

Merode AltarpieceThree panels from left to

right Donors kneel in garden

Annunciation: Mary and Angel Gabriel

Joseph working in his carpentry shop

Holy Spirit

Miraculous insemination

purity

God’s Presence

Joseph in His WorkshopJoseph depicted constructing mouse traps

Symbolic of belief that Christ was the bait with which Satan would be trapped

Jan van EyckThe Arnolfini Wedding Symbolism:

dog: loyalty; single burning candle: presence of God

fruit: InnocenceShoes off: holy event

Figure on bedhead = St. Margaret

Mirror and inscription: “artist was here” and witnesses in reflection

The Ghent Altarpiece

The Ghent AltarpieceCentral lower panel: Adoration of the Lamb Lamb (Christ) on altar of sacrifice

Controls flow of light: light is crystal clear

Atmospheric perspective to create illusion of deep space.

Martyrs Cross

Pigeon = Holy Spirit

Angels carry 4 symbols of the Passion

Eternal Life

Old Testament figures Church

AuthoritiesApostles

Virgins

Pillar of flagellation

Spear of Vinegar Spear of piercing

St Jerome in His Study

NatureSensitive use of light and color

Variety of textures

Realism and Emotionalism

Chapter 17 Section 2

Rogier van der Weyden

Combined concern for detail with emphasis on emotional impact of his subject matter

Dignity suggested by: lowered eyes, locked fingers, frail build

Wealth suggested by: gold belt buckle and rings

Portrait of a Lady

The Descent from the CrossHuman EmotionEach face expresses different emotion

Space between Christ’s right and Mary’s left = void between living and dead

The Descent from the Cross (cont.)

Organization: use of repeating curved axis linesTwo figures at each side bend inward to direct attention to Christ and Mary

Christ’s body forms an S curve (repeated in the curve of his fainting mother)

The Descent from the Cross (cont.)

Use of emphasis: no deep spaceFigures placed in shallow space but not crowded

Placed on a narrow stage with no landscape behind

Faces differ from each other

Hugo van der GoesCombined emotionalism of van der Weyden w/realistic detail of Jan van EyckAltered nature & proportions of people/objects when those changes added to emotional impact of his pictures

Took liberties with space to increase emotional appeal

Portinari Altarpiece

The Adoration of the Shepherds

Tipped floor of stable upwards to provide better view & bring viewer into it

Sad & withdrawn figures of Mary and Joseph bring to mind Christ’s future death

Adoration of the Shepherds (cont.)

Shepherds: expressions show the piety of the ordinary, uneducated people of the world based on blind faith;

First artist to represent peasants in a painting

Use of proportion and movement

Wheat = Communion Bread

Purple columbine = Mary’s sorrows

Shoe = Holy Event

Ox = Faithful Christians

Donkey = Fail to see Savior

White lilies = Purity

Orange lilies = The Passion

Castle = House of David