THE NORTHERN RENAISSANCE

Northern vs. Italian Renaissance Began in the late-15 th century Criticized the Church – Helped lead to the Reformation More diverse social backgrounds More willing to write for lay people Influenced by Italy, but included independently creative artists

Humanists Renaissance humanists were scholars and literary figures who were deeply committed to Christianity and religious themes They scorned the dense and often convoluted writing style of the scholastic theologians and instead used the elegant and polished language of classical Greek and Roman authors and the early church fathers – Erasmus’ Praise of Folly attacked both the dogmatism of scholars and the ignorance of the masses Desiderius Erasmus ( ) published an edition of the New Testament that served as the basis for various translations into the vernacular languages.

Other Great Northern Renaissance Authors Thomas More ( ) – Utopia William Shakespeare ( ) – Known for his use of language and analysis of character which reflected a deep understanding of the good and evil in man Miguel de Cervantes ( ) – Don Quixote

Movable Type Johannes Gutenberg’s use of movable type to print books accelerated the spread of classical learning Allowed for the mass production of texts that spread the cultural heritage of the classical world throughout Europe

Northern Renaissance Artists

Jan Van Eyck c c Flemish Perfected the newly developed technique of oil painting. His naturalistic panel paintings, mostly portraits and religious subjects, made extensive use of disguised religious symbols.

The Arnolfini Marriage 1434

Symbolic candle The solitary flame burning in bright daylight can be interpreted as the bridal candle, or God's all-seeing eye, or simply as a devotional candle. Another symbol is St Margaret (the patron saint of women in childbirth), whose image is carved on the high chair back. An elaborate signature As today, marriages in 15th-century Flanders could take place privately rather than in church. Van Eyck's Latin signature, in the Gothic calligraphy used for legal documents, reads: ``Jan van Eyck was present'', and has been interpreted by some as an indication that the artist himself served as a witness.

Convex mirror The mirror is painted with almost miraculous skill. Its carved frame is inset with ten miniature medallions depicting scenes from the life of Christ. Yet more remarkable is the mirror's reflection, which includes van Eyck's own tiny self-portrait, accompanied by another man who may have been the official witness to the ceremony. Symbol of faithfulness Almost every detail can be interpreted as a symbol. The companion dog is seen as a symbol of faithfulness and love. The fruits on the window ledge probably stand for fertility and our fall from Paradise. Even the discarded shoes are not thought to be incidental, but to signify the sanctity of marriage.

Hieronymus Bosch c From the small Dutch town of Hertogenbosch, from which he derived his name. An eccentric painter of religious visions who dealt in particular with the torments of hell.

The Ship of Fools

From “WebMuseum”: In The Ship of Fools Bosch is imagining that the whole of mankind is voyaging through the seas of time on a ship, a small ship, that is representative of humanity. Sadly, every one of the representatives is a fool. This is how we live, says Bosch--we eat, drink, flirt, cheat, play silly games, pursue unattainable objectives. Meanwhile our ship drifts aimlessly and we never reach the harbor. The fools are not the irreligious, since prominent among them are a monk and a nun, but they are all those who live ``in stupidity.”

Pieter Brueghel (The Elder) c Flemish painter Brueghel painted canvases filled with ordinary people at weddings, funerals, fairs, and everyday life. His paintings are miniature glimpses into the comedy and tragedy of 16th- century social life.

The Peasant Wedding (1568)

Albrecht Durer German Painter, printmaker, draughtsman and art theorist His vast body of work includes altarpieces and religious works, numerous portraits and self- portraits, and copper engravings.altarpieces

Self-Portrait at 28