Topic 1.3 Northern Renaissance

Overview of the Northern Renaissance

Definition and Characteristics

• The Northern Renaissance was a cultural movement that spread north of the Alps in the late 15th century.

• Northern humanists emphasized religion more than their Italian counterparts, focusing on purer Christian practices.

• Art was more human-centered, depicting ordinary individuals and everyday life rather than idealized forms.

• Artists created detailed smaller works, such as illuminated manuscripts and altarpieces, rather than large-scale frescoes.

Influence of Wealthy Patrons

• Like Italian artists, Northern Renaissance artists relied on wealthy patrons for financial support.

• The decline of religious art occurred after the spread of Protestantism, shifting focus to secular themes.

Key Artists of the Northern Renaissance

Albrecht Dürer

• Dürer (1471–1528) traveled to Italy to enhance his skills and exchanged works with Raphael.

• He was known for his prints and woodcuts, a technique involving carving images into wood blocks.

Jan van Eyck

• Van Eyck (c. 1390–1441) was a pioneer of oil painting, known for his detailed and realistic works.

• His painting, Arnolfini Portrait (1434), provides insight into the lives of wealthy individuals of the time.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder

• Bruegel (1525–1569) depicted scenes from the Bible and peasant life, emphasizing ordinary people's experiences.

• His work, Peasant Wedding (c. 1567), illustrates a 16th-century celebration among peasants.

Rembrandt

• Rembrandt (1606–1669) was a Baroque artist known for dramatic use of light and shadow.

• His famous painting, The Night Watch, showcases soldiers preparing for defense, highlighting realism.

Christian Humanism and Religious Reform

The Call for Reform

• Christian humanists sought to address the Church's focus on wealth and power, advocating for a return to true religious practices.

• Their motto, "Ad fontes" (back to the source), emphasized studying original biblical texts.

Erasmus and His Contributions

• Erasmus, a key figure in Christian humanism, encouraged individuals to read the Bible in its original languages.

• His book, Praise of Folly (1509), criticized the clergy's ignorance and the Church's materialism.

Thomas More's Utopia

• More, a friend of Erasmus, wrote Utopia, envisioning a perfect society with social justice and education for women.

• He held government positions and advocated for reforms in society, including the abolition of private property.