Ch 17 Art History - 15th Century Art in Northern Europe

Tempera

A paint made of dry pigments, or colors, which are mixed with a binding material - egg yolk, gum, casein. These are called binders - a liquid that holds together the grains of pigment in paint. This was applied onto a wooden panel what was prepared with gesso.

Oil Paints

Allowed for precision & details A mixture of dry pigments with oils, turpentine & sometimes varnish Artists could use them to produce a transparent, smooth glaze or thick, richly textured surfaces Light and dark areas were painted with tempera and then oil paint was added on top for a shine

Flemish Art Symbolism

Artists spent hours painting delicate designs on a garment, leaves on a tree, or the wrinkles in a face. At the same time symbolism, which was important in Gothic art, grew even more important. Many details in paintings had special meaning...some examples: Burning Candle = God's Presence Fruit = Innocence Shoe Removal = Holy event is taking place Dog = Loyalty

Adoration of the Shepherds

By Hugo van der Goes Central panel of The Portinari Altarpiece Used Emotionalism vs Realism: He tipped the floor of the stable upward..gives you a better view and brings you into the scene as a witness. Shepherds faces show their surprise at being at such a sacred event. Sad faces on Joseph and Mary foreshadow death of Jesus Facial expressions stir curiosity

Merode Altarpiece

Famous work of Robert Campin. Consists of 3 panels showing from left to right: 1. The donors of the work kneeling in a garden 2. Mary receiving the news that she is to be the mother of Christ from the Angel Gabriel 3. Joseph working in his carpentry shop - he is seen building mousetraps - symbolized Christ was the bait with which Satan would be trapped Gave attention to detail; particularly in religious pictures

Jack Van Eyck

Flemish painter who perfected the technique of oil painting; His art helped make Flanders the art center of Northern Europe. He was a product of the Middle Ages, he went beyond the older traditions of the exceedingly detailed International style painted The Arnolfini Wedding

Robert Campin

Flemish painter; One of the first artists to use oil paint. Also known as the Master of Flemalle Most famous piece is Merode Altarpiece

Renaissance Painting in Northern Europe

True to the traditions of the Late Medieval period - especially true in architecture. Progress of painting in the North during this time was more complicated Shift to more modern art was slower in northern Europe than it did in Italy. Italian artists were busy studying classical art of ancient Greece and Rome, Northern artists further developed the International style

Gesso

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

Advantages of Oil Paint

Oil-painting technique slowed down the drying time. Gave artists time to work more slowly, so they had time to focus on the details that Italian artists working in fresco did not have

Joseph in His Workshop

Painted by Jan van Eyck Right panel of The Merode Altarpiece

Portrait of a Lady

Painted by Rogier van der Weyden Bold against background Light is even, pleasant facial expression Unknown woman has quiet dignity - symbolized by lowered eyes, locked fingers and frail build Lost in thought Gold belt buckle and rings are signs of luxury/wealth

Descent from the Cross

Painted by Rogier van der Weyden Used Triptych - a painting on 3 hinged panels that can be folded together Organizations achieved by repeating curved axis lines Fainting mother & Jesus have "S" curves Use of Emphasis: Figures and the action are brought very close, forcing you to take in every detail. All facial details painted with care. Use of Emotionalism: Shown by different facial expressions and gestures. Facial emotions. Most telling...space between Jesus' and Mary's hands...symbolizing the void between the living and the dead

Adoration of the Lamb

Painted by Van Eyck who was the master of detail; symbolized that all people can come to Christ Central panel of The Ghent Altarpiece Depicts angels, saints & earthly worshipers moving through a green valley toward a sacrificial altar lamb - symbol of Christ Blood flows from lamb into chalice Christ as sacrificial or Paschal lamb eternal salvation is possible for all bc Christ sacrificed his life Lamb is the center of attention Like Masaccio, van Eyck uses atmospheric perspective to create depth; Van Eyck loved detail and realism was done after long study w/ color, shape & texture Unlike Masaccio, VE controls the flow of light which is crystal clear...showing us the color, texture and shape of every object.

Portinari Altarpiece

Painted by van der Goes Named after a banker; displayed in Florence Shows human character and feeling Used symbolism...wheat in foreground represents communion bread Bouquets of Iris and columbine are symbols of the sorrows of Mary. Shoe is a reminder that the event makes this holy ground

The Arnolfini Wedding

Painting by Flemish painter Jan van Eyck Couple in picture - man is Giovanni Arnolfini - rich Italian merchant who lived in Flanders, sold silk brocade and luxury goods; worked as a banker. Hired Van Eyck to paint him and his wife. Wife Jeanne de Chenay Both husband and wife look frozen in their poses. Husband has hand raised to take an oath...other hand holding wife's Mirror in room shows bride and groom and 2 witnesses Above mirror is Latin inscription that says Jan van Eyck was here Single burning candle was God's presence Innocence suggested by fruit on table and windowsill Couple have removed their shoes signifying a holy event - like washing of the feet on Holy Thursday Little dog represents loyalty husband and wife pledge to each other

Rogier van der Weyden

Preserved Gothic concerns for good design and vivid emotions. Continued van Eyck's painting style of detail, but also emphasized emotions in subject matters Painted Descent from the Cross, Portrait of a Lady

Advantages of Oil Paint

Slowed down drying time Artists had time to include details in pics Transparent glazes added a new brilliance to colors - "lit from within"

St. Gerome in His Study

Texture in everything; precise detail, created glowing colors Realism & Emotionalism - combined realism from Eyck and emotion/design from Gothic Art Books and articles on table seem to glow softly in the mellow light. Deep colors of green on the tablecloth...reds and blues of cloak and drapery Texture in the paper, wool, leather and glass...a style never equaled...especially his precision and glowing color.

Hugo van der Goes

Continued style of van der Weyden (emotionalism) and detail of van Eyck. Created the Portinari Altarpiece & Adoration of the Shepherds; rose to fame as an artist in Bruges Combined emotionalism and realistic detail Altered nature and the proportions of people when those changes added to emotional impact of the picture

15th Century Art in Northern Europe

Main idea: oil paints and watercolor was a big change in art innovation Commerce and industry brought wealth and city growth and new middle class

15th Century Art in Northern Europe

Main idea: oil paints and watercolor was a big change in art innovation Commerce and industry brought wealth and city growth and new middle class Religious subjects continued to be popular, but artists often included symbols to show spiritual ideas and feelings.