THE MASTER OF
FLÉMALLE
(Robert Campin)
By Candace Rosato, Jillian Segovia, Michelle Jachna
ROBERT CAMPIN
c. 1375 – 26 April 1444
 The Master of Flémalle is a seemingly
unidentified artist
 many people think its Robert Campin, who was
also a Flemish painter at the time.
 Crucial importance for the birth and the
beginnings of Early Netherlandish painting.
 fascination with the natural and domestic world

Mérode Altarpiece, 1425-1426
MÉRODE ALTARPIECE

“Triptych”

Three paintings connected by hinges
Oil on wood
 painted in a realistic style
 proportions and sense of space weren’t accurate
 large focus on detail
 His technique was to combine translucent oil
overly on water-based opaque pigments


Allowed him to show great detail
THE LEFT PANEL
Kneeling patrons who
probably commissioned
the painting
 dress like middle class
 The man seems to be
looking towards the
middle painting

THE MIDDLE PANEL




Possible annunciation
scene
angel Gabriel and Mary
are painted here
This Annunciation
painting is one of the first
that is actually depicted
to being completely
indoors
Note the extreme details
of the Flemish household
RIGHT PANEL
Joseph is making a
mousetrap in his
carpenter’s shop
 Not directly
involved with the
Annunciation scene


The left panel was
drawing our eyes in
SYMBOLISM
Symbol
Meaning
Madonna Lily in the vase
Mary’s virginity
Tiny Jesus carrying cross on his
back
The Holy Spirit
Extinguished Candle
God has taken human form,
rather than existing as a divine
being
Mouse trap
Jesus’ human appearance was to
fool and trap the devil
Sword-shaped saw
Refers to weapon that St Peter
used to cut off Malchus’ ear while
Christ was being arrested
Tools on table
The Passion of Christ
Log
The cross
Stick
Crown of thorns
CHARACTERISTICS
Less decorative colour schemes
 Realistic style
 Subdued hues
 Attention to detail and clarity
 Use of oil paint
 Focus on religious aspects
 Focus on close observation, rather than correct
proportions
