NORTHERN RENAISSANCE
1500-1600

Theories & Interpretations

• Growing merchant class combined with the decline of church commissioned works lead to the growth of private commissions of landscapes, still lifes, portraits, etc. for private homes

• Northern Renaissance humanism encouraged observation of the natrual world and everyday life; artists depicted kitchesn, markets, interior of homes, etc.

• The Reformation shaped art in Northern Europe, leading to fewer large-scale religious works; Protestant-influenced art focused on personal devotion, moral lessons, and scripture rather than Catholic grandeur

Style Characteristics

• Extreme attention to detail, painted textures, fabrics, reflections from metals and other surfaces

• oil paint allowed for subtle blending changes and rich colors

• Strong emphasis on individualsim and realism (expressions and emotions)  - not idealized like Italian Renaissance

• Focused on everyday life and narratives, again unlike Italian Renaissance

• Religious and moral messages were hidden through symbolism of everyday objects

• focused on biblical stories set in everyday life - made it feel relatable and personal to the viewer

• printmaking was popular in spreading art and ideas