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 education… Renaissance – “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. 566 18-6 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" (15th cent.) 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 associations 18-9 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 position Addl. slide closed position, P. 576 Jan 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-l’oeil: “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? Giovanna’s 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 Eyck’s 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, 8'3½" 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 painters Movable-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, humanity A long way since Byzantine art! Compare! 18-26 Martin Schongauer, The Temptation of St. Anthony, engraving c. 1480-90 Armorers developed engraving during the mid15th century in Italy. one of his best known prints a physical assault, not a subtle inducement St. Anthony’s faith leads him away from the vortex of torment. 2 Addl. Slides of woodcut and engraving diagrams