17 The New Learning Spreads: Germany and the Netherlands, early sixteenth century Flashcards
What 3 achievements impressed those in the north about Italian art of the Renaissance?
1 Discovery of scientific perspective
2 Mastery of anatomy
3 Knowledge of classical forms of buildings
Identify, date, describe
Choir of Church of St Pierre, Caen, 1545.
Adoption of classical features into Gothic style in Northern Europe. Rounded arch with tracery.
Identify, date, describe
Old Chancellery, ‘Le Greffe’, Bruges, 1537.
Adoption of classical features into Gothic style in Northern Europe. Incongruous blending of styles.
Square windows, pilasters, frieze and classical sculptures. Yet ribbed vaulting and pointed arch doorway.
Albrecht Dürer dates?
Contemporary of Michelangelo
1471-1528
4 things about Albrecht Dürer
1 Son of a distinguished master-goldsmith in Nuremberg.
2 Showed astonishing gifts for drawing and was apprenticed to workshop for altars and woodcuts of Michel Wolgemut.
3 Went on Wanderjahre to broaden views, stayed with Martin Schongauer’s brothers in Colmar, made woodcuts in Basle and visited workshops of Mantegna and Bellini in Italy. Returned to Nuremberg to marry and open own workshop.
4 Fame spread. Employed by Emperor Maximilian.
Identify, date, describe
St Michael’s fight against the dragon, Albrecht Dührer, 1498, Woodcut
Illustration of Revelation xii.7
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Of topical interest, as widespread discontent with church, and many expected apocalyptic events to come true in their lifetime.
St Michael not striking pose, but engaged in heroic action.
Use of atmospheric perspective.
Identify, date, describe
The Great Piece of Turf, Albrecht Durer, 1503, watercolour
Study of nature. Realistic representation of nature was not a goal in itself for Dürer, but simply a tool for better conveying the sacred messages of his greater works.
What is the Wanderjahre?
Journeyman years – time of travel after completing apprenticeship as a craftsman. Dates to medieval times.
3 years and 1 day is minimum period.
In Middle Ages and Renaissance, when guild system still in place, wanderjahre was taken by painters, mason-architects and goldsmiths, etc.
Was highly important for the transmission of artistic style around Europe.
Identify, date, describe
The Nativity, Albrecht Dürer, 1504
Figures on small scale relative to scene. Angel just a speck in background. Conveys humbleness and humanity of setting –these seem like ordinary people. Atmosphere of peace reigns.
See influence of Italian renaissance in arches and colonnette.
Durer born engraver –never tiring of adding extra detail.
Identify, date, describe
Adam and Eve, Albrecht Durer, 1504
Result of study of classical authors on human body. Experiment in creating ideal form.
Forms, pose and symmetrical composition somewhat artificial –not quite as perfected as in Italian models. But first attempts to transplant lessons of the south into northern soil.
Overall, lessons of Italy well integrated into the wealth of detail of northern art.
Identify, date, describe
Crucifixion, Isenheim altarpiece, Matthias Grunewald, 1515
Only concern is to convey stark reality of crucifixion. Unusually gruesome –blood, hands, green skin.
St Sebastian on left and St Anthony the Great (of Egypt) on right (often associated with healing sores).
Dimensions according to medieval rule –in order of importance.
Christ covered with sores as originally intended for a hospital. Provides solace that suffering is meaningful.
Quote: “He must increase, but I must decrease”
Source of inspiration for expressionists such as Otto Dix and George Grosz. Basis of Hindemith’s opera Mathis der Mahler.
What is a predella?
Lowest part of altarpiece.
Identify, date, describe
The Resurrection, Isenheim altarpiece, Matthias Grunewald, 1515.
Mathias Grunewald dates?
Early 1500s
1480-1528
Identify, date, describe
Rest on Flight into Egypt, Lucas Cranach, 1504.
Cranach grew up in northern alps and fascinated by woods and mountain vistas.
Spring is symbol of Marian purity. Strawberry symbolizes “fruitful Virgin,” – remains in flower and bears fruit. Red alludes to Passion, white flowers to purity.
Identify, describe, date
Danube Landscape with Castle Wörth, Albrecht Altdorfer, c1525
Altdorfer created first pure landscapes in history of European art.
In Middle Ages, a painting without theme was inconceivable. This changed when painter’s skill as such became interesting.
Identify, date, describe
St Luke painting the virgin, Jan Gossaert (Mabuse), 1515.
Figures painting in style of Van Eyck and followers –but rather wooden.
Also showing off knowledge of Italian achievements: knowledge of classical architecture, mastery of light and shade.
Lacks simple harmony of both northern and Italian models.
Identify, date, describe
Haywain Triptych, Hieronymus Bosch, 1516.
Left panel, Paradise –Adam and Eve driven out, while rebellious angels fall from heaven.
Central panel. Wagon of hay surrounded by fools engaged in a variety of sins and being dragged to hell. Only one praying angel notices Christ.
Right panel, vision of hell. Gives tangible shape to the fears that haunted people in Middle Ages.
Bosch uses painting’s recent achievements in depicting reality to represent the unreal.
Focus on powers of evil –for this reason was favourite of Philip II of Spain, who bought painting, now in Prado.
