According to the documentary many ideas were valued in the Northern Renaissance period. Religious themes were the most prevalent in all Renaissance art, as were the mediums of oil paint and sculpture. Northern Renaissance seemed to adopt a version of the Roman style verism since they preferred highly realistic, individualistic depictions of human faces and figures. Surface realism was highly remarkable within the textures of human flesh and jewels. The depiction of light, shadow and reflection within an art piece were commonly used during this time period as well. Examples of these wonderful techniques can be seen within the Ghent
The portrait of Adam within the alter piece really stood out to me. Being a painter myself I know how hard it is to make a portrait actually look life like. Jan Van Eyck had an amazing gift; the way he made and used pigments was quite revolutionary. I found it incredibly interesting how he created and used different glazes to create depth and texture, especially within the jewels. I would consider him to be a genius, not only for the time period which he lived and devised such a unique style of art, but because the way that he was able to transfer his imagination and ideas onto canvas with incredible accuracy. I found it astonishing how with the use of paint the reflection of light within Adams eyes, and the lack there of within Eves eyes in the Ghent altarpiece is something tedious that helps bring dimension and life to the subjects. Jan Van Eyck must have been a very patient artist. It takes time to be able to layer oil paint in order to masterfully depict reality within paintings.
During the Renaissance era paintings were extremely expensive, therefore only the wealthy were able to afford such luxurious pieces of art. Portraiture and the three-quarter view became popular during this time. Portraits were done not only to remember a person but to honor their legacy. Wealthy people were usually the ones who had their portraits done, however as it became more popular; occasionally the common man was able to afford to have it done, depending on the artist who painted it.
Another thing I found interesting was that gold and jewels were often painted within pieces to make the owner of the piece feel wealthier. A painting which included such luxurious items was the next best thing to actually owning the real gems.
As the culture changed so did the faces and characteristic style of the depicted subjects. All in all the exquisite attention to detail within Northern Renaissance art is what made it incredible during this time period. The art which was shown in the documentary was simply amazing and very impressive.
It is interesting that gold and jewels awesome fabrics were often included in paintings if you think of it has making the owner feel richer. It seems like people couldn't just daydream about having all this stuff or imagine themselves sitting outside the annunciation. They had to have someone paint it for them.
ReplyDeleteJan Van Eyck really did do some miraculous work! I especially love the portrait of Adam because of his foot rising up as if he was about to walk. I really got a sense of life from that and he looked as if he was going to step out of the painting. I also noticed too that a lot of the pieces had gems and jewels in them. I wonder if people actually wore gems and jewels like in the paintings or if they served as some sort of symbol. A lot of religious paintings, especially, had gems incorporated and I feel they were put into the painting to show that religious figures were higher up and should be envied in a way.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog, the pictures you have posted were a really easy way to refference what you were explaining. Especially in the portrait of adam it is too easy to see how realistic and warm blooded he looks. even his expression brings an individual quality to the painting and sticks in your mind as not only Art but a living, breathing, reserection.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was kind of amusing when the narrator from the documentary mentioned that Van Eyck painted portraits of potential spouses as he traveled as an ambassador for one of the Dukes of Burgundy. Van Eyck has become an inspiration for me, although I am more of a surrealist when it comes to painting. I also thought it was great that he painted the Ghent altarpiece as if the natural light were shining on the figures in the painting, like you mentioned with Adam's lit eyes and Eve's shadowed eyes. I think he must have been obsessed with reflections and light, because he utilizes highlights and/or shiny objects in every painting. Apparently, some artists incorporated real jewels into their artwork, however Van Eyck could make a painting look like the real deal.
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