AH 2 Ch

AH 2 Ch. 18 (2011)15th Century Art in Northern Europe

Humanism a set of values separate from, but not opposed to religion a human oriented worldview, the power and potential of human beings a late 19th century term used more narrowly to designate the revival of classical learning and educationRenaissance rebirth [of classical learning] Spawned by the new merchants and bankers within the 3rd Estate around 1400 Europe. (first estate: clergy, second estate: nobility, 4th estate?)

Emperor Justinian and Attendants, c. 547, mosaic

Not in Art History II (just a backdrop for us)

Byzantine style example

San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

Write the Byzantine traits here:

Fig. 17-6, Giotto, Madonna Enthroned, c. 1305-10 Tempera and gold on panel

Late Gothic or early Renaissance

Italo-Byzantine example

Write It.-Byz. traits here:

Art for the French Ducal Courts, c. 1400

Ducal = royal nobles (sub kings w/ territory)

Court = monarchy

The International Gothic Style originated in Avignon France

graceful poses, sweet expressions

naturalistic details, bright colors and gold details

Fig. 18-3 Claus Sluter, Well of Moses (and David) C.D.C., Dijon, France, 1395-1406, Limestone

Symbolic well for a "monastery," hermit-like monks

Philip the Bold, the Duke of Burgundy, was the patron (his family buried in this monastery)

originally supported a crucifixion scene

life size old testament prophets and heroes (6)

outstanding textures

progressive Renaissance is not the same as Intl. Gothic style

Women were limited in the arts

because apprenticeships were

not open to them. Despite this,

some women still flourished as

artists. See p. 56618-6 Limbourg Bros., February, Life in the Country,Tres Riches Heures (of the Duke of Berry) 1411-16

manuscript illumination (color book illustrations, hand made)

book of hours: prayers, readings and rituals

showed peasants happily working for the duke

no disease, no filth

good wintry effects

Intl. Gothic conventions: high horizon, cutaway house view, humans animals and architecture in a landscape

Tip: try a thumbnail sketch

and/or write your first word

and/or feeling that the images

give you. For example, in this

case: "fire warming hut," "barn

painting," "winter cozy" or

"missing wall." Scribble your

thoughts as we go. This

helps you to remember the

image. Try it!

Flemish Art (Flanders) today's

Belgium, the Netherlands and

Luxembourg. Bruges was the

"Florence of the North" (15thcent.)

wool trade, fabrics and banking

powerful guilds add direction and quality to art

diverse patrons including the merchant class, the church, town councils, civic groups, guilds and business associations18-9 Robert Campin / Workshop of the master of Flemalle, Merode Altarpiece, 1425-28, oil/panel

the "supposed" inventor of oil paint (I was mistakenly taught that the inventor of oil paint was Jan van Eyck.)

annunciation scene Merode is the name of the 19th century family that owned this triptych painting.P. 577 open positionAddl. slide closed position, P. 576Jan and Hubert van Eyck, The

Ghent Altarpiece,

1432

ancient sibyls and Old Testament prophets at the top

Donors flank St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist

polyptych

tromp-loeil: fool the eye (in grisaille)

smooth surface betrays no brushstroke

a machined look, laser sharp details

additional notes here:

18-1 Jan van Eyck, Double

Portrait, Traditionally known as

Giovanni (?) Arnolfini and his

Wife, Giovanna Cenami (?),

1434, oil/panel, 33 high the most famous wedding portrait ever

Weddings were rare in the 15th century. Couples would sign a contract before two witnesses, pay the dowry and exchange gifts.

legal document? Giovannas power of attorney? "Jan van Eyck was here, 1434"

Arnolfini (a Medici banker)

A newly discovered document shows that Arnolfini was married 6 years after Jan van Eycks death.

Write secondary symbolism here:

Addl.Jan van Eyck, Madonna of Chancellor Rolin, oil and tempera on wood, 1433-34

18-13 Rogier van der Weyden, Deposition, c. 1435-38, o/p, 7'3" high

Intense human emotion (humanistic)

mysterious, like a tableau vivant (live drama)

John the Evangelist at left, Mary Magdalene at right

The Virgin Mother and Christ parallel one another.

Cite the Italo-Byzantine remnants here:

18-16 Hugo van der Goes, Portinari Altarpiece, 1474-76, temp. & oil on panel, 8'3" high

patron: Portinari, a Medici banker in Bruges

nativity of Christ, incarnation - a god in earthly form STRANGE! the odd sizes and proportions "supercharge" the image floral and glass symbolism wheat sheaf = Bethlehem, communion, and the Body of Christ Hugo's art influenced Florentine Italian paintersMovable-type printing made

the intellectual and spiritual

life of Europe change

forever. Johann Gutenberg,

c. 1455 Gutenberg Bible,

Mainz Germany

Spreads knowledge

Fuels the Reformation of the early 1500s De-segregates educational classes creates a wider audience for the graphic arts

18-18 Jean Fouquet, Etienne Chevalier and Saint Stephen, 1452-55, o/p, 36.5 high

left half of Melum Diptych

French w/ Flemish influence Chevalier, treasurer of France The inscription says the painting was made to fulfill a vow (?) by Chevalier to his mistress, Agnes Sorel. Fouquet probably used a plaster death mask of Sorel as a model for the right panel (the Virgin Mary) p. 608, volume, perspective, humanityA long way since Byzantine art! Compare!

18-26 Martin Schongauer, The Temptation of St. Anthony, engraving c. 1480-90

Armorers developed engraving during the mid-15th century in Italy.

one of his best known prints

a physical assault, not a subtle inducement

St. Anthonys faith leads him away from the vortex of torment.2 Addl. Slides of woodcut and engraving diagrams