Art History Week 4 Preparation

What artistic and cultural movement emerged in Northern Europe during the late 15th to early 17th centuries, characterized by detailed realism, religious themes, and the use of oil paints?

Northern Renaissance

This movement emphasized humanism and incorporated local traditions, leading to advancements in art and literature. Notable figures include Jan van Eyck and Albrecht Dürer. It also saw the rise of printmaking and a focus on everyday life.

What major religious movement in the 16th century led to the establishment of Protestant churches and significant changes in Christianity?

The Reformation

This movement challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, emphasized individual faith, and was marked by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin. Key events included the Ninety-Five Theses, the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages, and the rise of various Protestant denominations. It had profound social, political, and cultural impacts across Europe.

What was a practice in 16th Century Northern Europe that involved the selling of remission of sins?

Indulgences

This practice allowed individuals to pay for the reduction of punishment for sins, often seen as a way to fund church projects. It sparked significant controversy and was a key factor in the Protestant Reformation, leading to criticisms of corruption within the Church and calls for reform.

What is Erasmus and his Praise of Folly?

A satirical work written in 1509 that critiques the social and religious practices of the time. It uses humor and irony to highlight the foolishness of human behavior, particularly among scholars, clergy, and rulers. The author advocates for a return to simple Christian values and emphasizes the importance of inner piety over outward displays of religion. This work played a significant role in the Renaissance humanist movement and influenced later reformers.

Chambers of rhetoric

A historical term referring to a systematic approach to the study and practice of persuasive speaking and writing. It encompasses various techniques and devices used to enhance eloquence and effectiveness in communication, often linked to classical education and the arts of persuasion.

The Polyglot Bible

Bible with Hebrew, Latin, and Greek texts of the New Testament.

Who was Christopher Plantin?

A book printer who was also a French Renaissance Humanist. His printing prowess brought Antwerp to the main stage of book publishing in Europe at the time.

Who was Hieronymus Cock

Flemish painter, etcher who was also a very important print distributor in France

Hendrik Niclaes and the “Family of Love” (familia caritatis)

Book that promoted religious reformation in Europe

The Duke of Alva and the Spanish Inquisition

Duke of Alva utilized the Spanish Inquisition to help suppress Dutch Calvanists while also restoring Spanish sovereignty to the netherlands

Genre Painting

Paintings that depict regular people doing regular sh*t

“Inverted Still Life”

Important subjects are in the background while the still-life aspects are within the foreground

Fool the eye (trompe loel

Very good illusion of 3d on 2d

Vanitas

Type of painting with symbolic objects that are meant to spark the viewer to remember that worldly goods and pleasures are worthless. And they will die one day..

Repoussoir

A object on one side of the foreground that draws the viewer to the subject matter

Moralizing Subject Matter

Art that is heavily focused on morality and moral questions