ART 309: NORTHERN RENAISSANCE ART
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Research Paper Assignment:
Length and format:
Topic choices (ranked 1-3), due:
Prel. questions/hypothesis/bibliog., due:
Rough Draft, due:
Presentation in class:
Final paper, due in class:
8-10 pages, double-spaced, 12-point Times Roman, 1" margins
W, Sept. 25 (email by 4 pm)
W, Oct. 9 (due in class)
W, Nov. 20 (due in class)
F, Dec. 6; W, Dec. 11; and F, Dec. 13
F, Dec. 13
This research paper is designed so that you can explore an artwork from the Northern Renaissance in detail,
applying the various methods and approaches used in your readings and discussed in class. Begin by
selecting three objects from the provided list; by W, Sept. 25 (by 4 pm), email your choices – ranked 1-3 – to
your professor. After your object is determined, arrange to study it in person at the Museum of Fine Arts
Boston or the Worcester Art Museum. Generate a list of questions and/or potential paths of research, as well
as a list of bibliography. Your preliminary questions, hypothesis, and bibliography are due in class on W,
Oct. 9.
Your paper must begin with the “basics” of artist, patron, original location, size, and date. In addition, search
more broadly for specific information on aspects of iconography (the Virgin Mary, the Passion of Christ, the
saints, etc.), the liturgy, devotional practices and texts, patronage, gender, etc. Examine the footnotes and
bibliography of the available sources carefully. Follow all leads! You may not find many sources about your
particular object; instead you should search for studies of similar artworks and/or subject matter that contain
information and arguments also applicable to your object. This should allow you to formulate a hypothesis
which you will argue and explore in your paper. This might focus on the iconography/subject matter,
liturgical or extra-liturgical religious practices, aspects of the original context, spatial and visual issues,
patronage, portraiture, gender, public and private functions, or social, economic, or political context.
Your goal should be to consult ten to twelve sources (both primary and secondary). For your convenience, a
number of books are on Course Reserves at Healey Library. Also, utilize other libraries in the area and check
online databases such as Art Index, JSTOR, and BHA. Web sources are forbidden, except for the online
version of Grove Dictionary of Art and the websites of the MFA and Worcester Art Museum. Remember, the
course readings may be helpful sources as well. Note: The class meeting on W, Oct. 2 will consist of a
research workshop led by a reference librarian from Healey Library. You may decide to discuss other objects
related to your own. In the final paper, include captioned images of your main object, as well as any
comparative images necessary for your discussion/argument. You must cite all sources accurately in
footnotes or endnotes; and include a full bibliography at the end of your paper. (For the format of notes and
bibliography, follow the Art Department Style Sheet posted on the course website.)
Potential Research Paper Topics:
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston:
(1)
Gerard David (Netherlandish, 1460-1525), The Holy Family, oil on panel. Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston, private collection.
(2)
Quentin Massys (Netherlandish, 1466-1530), Virgin and Child (Madonna of the Cherries), oil on
panel. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, private collection.
(3)
Tilman Riemenschneider (German, 1460-1531), Virgin and Child on the Crescent Moon, limewood,
c. 1490-95. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 41.653.
(4)
Workshop of Hieronymus Bosch (Netherlandish, active 1480-1516), Ecce Homo, oil on panel, 14961500. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 53.
(5)
Joos van Cleve (Flemish, active by 1511-1540/1541), The Crucifixion, oil on panel, c. 1525.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 12.170.
(6)
Lucas Cranach the Elder (German, 1472-1553), The Lamentation, oil on panel, 1538.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 74.28.
(7)
Unidentified artist (Alsatian), Christ as the Man of Sorrows, oil on panel, c. 1470.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 56.262.
(8)
Master of the Holy Kinship (German, Cologne School, active last quarter of the 15th century),
Saints Matthias and Matthew, oil on panel. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 07.646.
(9)
Unidentified artist (Flemish, 15th century), Martyrdom of Saint Hippolytus, tempera and oil on panel,
last quarter of the 15th century. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 63.660.
(10)
Jan Massys (Netherlandish, 1509-1575), Judith with the Head of Holofernes, oil on panel, 1543.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 12.1048.
(11)
Jan Gossaert (Netherlandish, 1478-1532), Mary Magdalen, oil on panel, c. 1525-30.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1991.585.
Worcester Art Museum:
(12)
Albert Bouts (Netherlandish, about 1452-1549), The Virgin and Child with an Angel, oil on panel,
first half of the sixteenth century. Worcester Art Museum, 1917.5.
(13)
Master of the Saint Ursula Legend (German, active about 1485-1515), Virgin and Child with Two
Angels, oil on panel, 1470-1490. Worcester Art Museum, 1936.6.
(14)
Quentin Massys (Flemish, 1466-1530), The Rest on the Flight into Egypt, oil on panel, c. 1509-13.
Worcester Art Museum, 1937.4.
(15)
School of Gerard David (Netherlandish, about 1460-1523, active Flanders), Christ on the Cross with
Saint John, the Virgin Mary, and Mary Magdalene, oil on panel, 1515-1525. Worcester Art Museum,
1935.144.
(16)
School of Provence (French, late 15th century), The Christ of Saint Gregory, c. 1480-90.
Worcester Art Museum, 1938.80.