"Every age projects its own images into its art." The northern Renaissance (c. 1450-1600) demonstrated a surprising technique of realism and detail, some pieces almost taking the appearance of a photograph. Also, portraits were created for what they were, the northern painters didn't idealize the person(s) they were painting like the artists of the Italian Renaissance. Some other aspects that northern Renaissance artists included in their artwork were symbolism and printmaking, or the use of woodcuts to produce images. The artists that will be included in this gallery are Robert Campin and Pieter Bruegel. Both painted secularly and religiously, as the Northern Renaissance took on a more religious approach than the Italian Renaissance.
Portrait of a Fat Man, Master of Flémalle, around 1425, From the collection of: Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
This painting, by Campin,was painted just before the Medici family came to take power in Florence, Italy for almost 300 years
The Flémalle Panels, Master of Flémalle (Workshop of Robert Campin), 1428 - 1430, From the collection of: Städel Museum
This piece and the next piece are from The Flémalle Panels painted between 1428 and 1430. They are great examples of proportion, and though more realistic, because the painting is of holy figures, they are given halos. This was painted while the Hundred Years' War was taking place due to many factors and tensions between England and France.
The Flémalle Panels, Master of Flémalle (Workshop of Robert Campin), 1428 - 1430, From the collection of: Städel Museum
Another piece of The Flemalle Panels, this painting also depicts religious feelings. There was some religious tension during the times this was created, but the talk of reform didn't really a large hold on society until the Protestant Reformation, due, in part, to Martin Luther.
Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece), Robert Campin (Netherlandish, ca. 1375–1444 Tournai), ca. 1427-32, From the collection of: The Cloisters Museum and Gardens
Realism and detail are used in this peace painted by Robert Campin between 1427-32. During this time period, people were living in what is known to be the "calamitous" century due to famine, disease, war and many other factors.
Children’s Games, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, 1560, From the collection of: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
This painting demonstrates Bruegel's use of vivid color, perspective, and his sense of proportion. This painting was painted during Elizabeth I's rule of England, following her brother, Edward VI, and sister, Mary Tudor, respectively.
Dulle Griet (Mad Meg), Pieter Brueghel the Elder, 1561, From the collection of: Kunstpalast
This piece by Bruegel shows great creativity and imagination which is considered to be one of the best qualities of the artist during the Renaissance in both the North and Italy which took place from 1350-1600.
This piece is a great example of perspective and detail by Bruegel. This artistic piece was actually painted three years after the first formal academy in Florence was established for artistic training. The school was set up by none other than the Medici family who practiced much patronage.
Peasant Wedding, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, 1566-1569, From the collection of: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
Did you know that Bruegel often painted not only peasant life, but also peasant customs, traditions, and celebrations that took place during the Northern Renaissance. He seems to have been very interested in their lives, and to also share their stories with others. This painting demonstrates detail, perspective, and proportion.
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