Ch 12 | Early Renaissance Art

Italian Renaissance

Cultural revival in Italy during the 14th-17th centuries.

Northern Renaissance

Artistic movement in Northern Europe, distinct from Italy.

Florence

Key city in the development of Renaissance art.

Flanders

Region known for its unique Northern Renaissance art.

Printmaking

Technique that revolutionized art distribution in the 15th century.

Giovanni Arnolfini

Wealthy merchant depicted in Jan van Eyck's portrait.

Jan van Eyck

Flemish painter known for detailed oil paintings.

Double Portrait

Art form featuring two subjects in one composition.

Convex Mirror

Symbol of God's all-seeing eye in Arnolfini portrait.

St. Margaret

Patron saint of women in childbirth, featured in art.

Griffon Bruxellois

Dog breed symbolizing fidelity in Arnolfini portrait.

Luxury Objects

Items representing wealth in Renaissance art and culture.

Secular Setting

Non-religious context for art during the Renaissance.

Piety

Religious devotion expressed through art and symbolism.

Crystal Prayer Beads

Symbol of spirituality in the Arnolfini portrait.

High-backed Chair

Furniture piece symbolizing status and wealth in art.

Burgundian Court

Cultural center influencing Northern Renaissance art.

Natural World Representation

Artistic exploration of nature during the Renaissance.

Social Systems

Cultural structures reflected in Renaissance artworks.

Spiritual Systems

Religious beliefs depicted in Renaissance art.

Cultural Leaders

Dukes of Burgundy as influential figures in art.

Extravagant Clothing

Fashion indicating wealth and status in Renaissance portraits.

Mysteries in Art

Ambiguities and interpretations in Renaissance artworks.

Northern Renaissance

Art movement in Northern Europe during the 15th century.

Humanism

Intellectual movement emphasizing science, reason, and individuality.

Linear Perspective

Art technique creating depth in two-dimensional works.

Flanders

Region known for its distinctive Northern Renaissance art.

Petrarch

14th-century scholar influencing Renaissance humanist thought.

Gothic Style

Architectural style preceding the Renaissance, emphasizing verticality.

TRES RICHES HEURES

Famous Book of Hours by the Limbourg brothers.

Limbourg Brothers

Pol, Herman, and Jean, notable Northern Renaissance painters.

Book of Hours

Christian devotional book with prayers and illustrations.

Manuscript Painting

Art of decorating written texts with illustrations.

Reflections on Water

Artistic technique depicting realistic water surfaces.

Steamy Breath

Detail illustrating breath in cold conditions.

Metal Sheen

Technique showing reflective qualities of metal surfaces.

Distinct Personalities

Individualized representations in religious paintings.

Jan van Eyck

Flemish painter known for lifelike portraits.

Peasants' Labors

Common activities depicted in the TRES RICHES HEURES.

Aristocrats' Diversions

Leisure activities of the upper class in art.

Social Class Representation

Art reflecting different social standings of figures.

February Page

Illustration in TRES RICHES HEURES showing winter activities.

Intellectual Stagnation

Perceived cultural decline before the Renaissance revival.

Three Ages of Humanity

Concept of historical periods: decline, revival, and rebirth.

Virtuosity in Art

Exceptional skill demonstrated in artistic works.

Cultural Curiosity

Interest in the natural world during the Renaissance.

Master of Flémalle

Workshop of early Flemish artists, identified as Robert Campin.

Merode Altarpiece

Triptych painted in the Master of Flémalle's workshop.

Annunciation

Religious event depicted in the central panel of the triptych.

Hidden symbols

Objects with religious meanings, disguised in the artwork.

Flemish home

Contemporary setting for the Annunciation scene in the painting.

Oil painting

Preferred medium of Flemish painters for detail and power.

Temperas

Medium favored by Italian artists for panel painting.

Flanders

Commercial center of Northern Europe during the fifteenth century.

Anecdotal detail

Attention to small, narrative elements in Northern Renaissance art.

Horizon line

High placement in paintings, consistent with natural experiences.

Scale relationships

Figures and buildings diminish in size across the landscape.

Tallis

Jewish prayer shawl, possibly depicted in the artwork.

Devotional meditations

Inner vision experienced by patrons during the Annunciation.

Wealthy patrons

Commissioned works from Flemish painters, influencing their style.

Cutaway view

Artistic technique showing both interior and exterior of buildings.

Leaden sky

Detail conveying cold winter weather in the painting.

Wattle fences

Traditional fencing technique depicted in rural settings.

Comforting smoke

Symbolizes warmth and homeliness in the farmhouse scene.

Flock of sheep

Element indicating pastoral life in the painting's background.

Bundled-up worker

Represents the harsh winter conditions faced by country people.

Religious meaning

Significance of common household objects in the artwork.

Influence on Italy

Flemish painters' styles admired and spread across Europe.

Artistic changes

Oil paint allows for modifications while still wet.

Oil Paint

Paint made from pigments suspended in oil.

Translucent Glazes

Thin layers of oil paint allowing light penetration.

Tempera

Fast-drying paint requiring precise application.

Opaque Tempera

Light does not penetrate lower color layers.

Jan van Eyck

Flemish painter credited with oil paint mastery.

Master of Flémalle

Group of artists associated with the Mérode Altarpiece.

Mérode Altarpiece

Triptych depicting the Annunciation, c. 1425-1430.

Triptych

Three-panel artwork, often religious in theme.

Duke Philip the Good

Patron of Jan van Eyck, Duke of Burgundy.

Symbolism in Art

Use of symbols to convey deeper meanings.

Light Treatment

Complex rendering of light in paintings.

Civic Art Patrons

Local leaders supporting artists in Low Countries.

Brushstroke Erasure

Drying process that smooths out brushstrokes.

Jewel-like Colors

Vivid colors achieved through oil paint techniques.

Interior Glow

Effect created by layering translucent oil paints.

Varnish Overlay

Applied to oil paintings for sheen enhancement.

Walnut Oil

Occasional alternative oil used in oil paints.

Fifteenth Century

Period of significant development in oil painting.

Artistic Virtuosity

Exceptional skill and artistry in painting.

Eucharist Symbolism

Religious references in artwork, like wine and Christ.

Independent Panel

Initial standalone artwork before becoming a triptych.

Art Historical Debate

Discussion on attribution of the Mérode Altarpiece.

Flemish Street Scene

Detailed depiction of everyday life in Flemish art.

Illumination

Light source appears from upper left, enhancing depth.

Symbolic Light

Represents connection between God and Mary.

Ghent Altarpiece

Created by Jan and Hubert van Eyck in 1432.

Donors

Jodocus Vijde and Isabella Borluut funded the chapel.

Virgin's Lap

Light falling here symbolizes Christ's connection.

Polyptych Shutters

Visible only when altarpiece is closed.

Annunciation

Depicts angel Gabriel announcing Jesus's conception.

Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

Central theme of the Ghent Altarpiece.