Nothern Renaissance history Exam 1

How did the International Style arise and spread?

Emerged in late 1300s at papal court. French, Italian, and Flemish artists worked side by side Courtly patrons helped to spread the style from northern France to surrounding countries King Charles V of France, his two brothers John, Duke of Berry, and Philip the Bold

What is a Book of Hours? Who owned these books? What were they used for? How did their illuminations (i.e. images) relate to their function?

Used by elite members of the church (not ordained) Used for daily prayer and devotions Commissioned by wealthy as status symbols Hourly devotions had corresponding images to encourage stronger connection to biblical narrative

What made Claus Sluter's sculpture innovative stylistically? Use the portal of the Chartreuse as support for your answer.

Figures do not provide structural support Not treated as secondary design elements Sense of expressiveness and naturalism

What elements of International Style are seen in Broderlam's Retable de Champmol?

Focus on small detail Slender elegant figures Vivid colors Naturalistic treatment of figures

What is typical and what is innovative in the calendar pages of the Tres Riches Heures? And how do the calendar pages of the TRH present the upper vs. lower classes? Be sure to consider figure type, clothes, posture, composition, scale, weather, and activities.

Each month features a full-page illumination depicting the landscape and secular activity of the month Typical: Showed rural activities that took place during the year and the zodiac Innovative: In the way it showed light and weather Calendar pages laid the foundations for landscape painting in Northern Europe Courtly, graceful, elegant style to depict noble life vs. freer, more naturalistic style for peasantry

Using the Annunciation, identify the key elements of Jan van Eyck's style (essentially, what makes a Van Eyck a Van Eyck?).

Extremely realistic while containing a lot of symbolic meaning (dual symbolism) Naturalism of light and shadow Use of linear perspective

A number of Van Eyck's religious paintings include donor portraits Focusing on Madonna with Chancellor Rolin and Madonna with Canon van der Paele, what is the relationship between the donor and the rest of the scene/other figures? How does Van Eyck use the overall composition and specific iconography to communicate that relationship?

Chancellor Rolin: Van Eyck has emphatically separated world of earthly worshiper and his divine vision with an empty row of tiles separating them and a different background. Two worlds joined together by a bridge over the water Canon van der Paele: Donor has mystic vision

Characteristic elements of Robert Campin's style include which of the following? There are multiple correct answers Fleshy bodies Crowded Compositions Voluminous Drapery Strong light/dark contrasts Graceful delicate figures Clear perspective space

Fleshy bodies Crowded Compositions Voluminous Drapery Graceful delicate figures Clear perspective space

Using Virgin and Child in a Chamber, identify the chief characteristics of Petrus Christus' painting style, including a discussion of Christus' key artistic influences. In addition, discuss how Christus' style/formal and iconographic choices engage the viewer.

Clarity of space (precise perspective) Soft lighting and vivid colors Strong influence of both Van Eyck & Rogier van der Weyden Linking the viewer's own space with pictorial space Personalize devotional images

Bouts is known for his innovative contributions to landscape in the North. What are the characteristic features of Bouts' landscapes? And what is the effect of these formal choices/how do his landscapes differ from the Northern artists who came before him?

Well-constructed progression of space Well rendered natural elements Landscapes framed by high rocks or trees on sides

Using Federigo's portrait with his son and the paintings for the studiolo, what are the Northern stylistic trends that we see Joos has brought to Urbino/Italy?

Oil paint usage contributes to vibrant color, naturalism, and skilled detail

What is the ruling image that Joos helps create for Federigo in these paintings?

Expressed the ideal of the active and contemplative life Lavish objects that allude to Federigo's central role in shah's call for international holy crusade

Hugo van der Goes' artistic style is often connected to mysticism and his own emotional and mental state. Using the three paintings discussed, what is some of the visual evidence to support these connections?

Mystic artists want to make a personal experience for those looking at the art Convey situations that seem real Used heightened emotional expression

Why is Geertgen tot sint Jans considered a mystic artist? Specifically discuss how his Man of Sorrows, as well as his Night Nativity, reflect his mysticism (consider: subject matter, composition, style, influence, etc.)

Man of Sorrows: Flat background to emphasize figures, Emotions exaggerated, Christ's body spatially close to viewer Night Nativity: Light makes figures ones of pure devotion, delicate angels

What is the most innovative aspect of David's painting (and what he becomes known for)? What makes it innovative and how can we connect this innovation with changing patronage practices in the 15th century?

Was the first to depict a landscape without figures in Nativity Triptych Choosing which scenes to depict because of desire to paint landscape Produced images for general market rather than for religious devotion

How do Fouquet's artworks for Etienne Chevalier (the book of hours, the Melun Diptych) reflect both French courtly style (and previous works we've seen) and the innovations of the Italian Renaissance? How does Fouquet use the two different styles in the two works mentioned?

Blend of Northern & Italian elements, a distinct element of Fouquet's style Annunciation image is uniquely French Italian in topographical references to Rome, monumentality, spiritual calm, and composition of space

What is patronage and provide some examples

Patrons are wealthier individuals who supported the creation of art through financial support Examples include: Jean de Berry, duke of France, who is known for commissioning tapestries and collecting jewelry Chancellor Rolin was also a great patron, being featured in Madonna and child with Chancellor Rolin

Define Naturalism and list some important naturalist artists

Naturalism is the style of art where there was an emphasis on accurate representation of detail Important artists include Campin, Van Eyeck, Van der Weyden

How was the printing press innovative to the artistic field?

It allowed art to be distributed faster and cheaper than ever before, making it more accessible.

What is dual symbolism?

Using real objects that would occur naturally in a scene while containing deeper symbolic significance.

How is identity represented (and altered) in portraits?

Patrons can be represented in any way of their choosing. Some were depicted next to religious figures to show their piety, or shown in lavish garments to show their wealth.