Northern Renaissance

Rottgen Pieta

1300-25

Late Medieval Europe (same time as Giotto) 

Painted wood sculpture 

Not good proportions, elongated limbs 

Peita: sculpture of Mary holding Jesus

Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece)

1427-1432 

Workshop of Robert Campin 

Oil on wood 

3 separate pieces 

On spec: the hope that it sells 

Middle scene: shows annunciation

Right scene: Mary’s husband  

Many symbols showing religious importance 

The Arnolfini Portrait

1434

Jan Van Eyck 

Oil on wood 

Artist signature above mirror proving he was there

Crucifixion story around mirror 

Portrait of wealth: oranges, fur, lace, expensive rug, etc.

Isenheim Altarpiece

1512-16 

Matthias Grumewald 

Oil on wood 

Moveable shrine, box of sculptures with wings, physical and physiological torments

Designed for hospital 

Adam and Eve

1504

Albrecht Durer (“Leonardo” or “Michelangelo” of Northern Renaissance)   

Engraving  

Hypothesis: advertisement for Durer

Allegory of Law and Grace

1530 

Lucas Cranach the Elder 

Woodcut and letterpress 

Argument about why reformations are needed

Left: Catholic→fear of judgment, etc. 

Right: Protestant →no fear, everyone is saved because of Jesus’ sacrifice 

PROPAGANDA! 

Hunters in the Snow (winter)

1565 

Peter Bruegel the Elder 

Oil on wood 

One of six paintings