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How to use this content:
As listed on the “Start Here” page for this unit, one of the unit objectives is “Identify Key Historical Facts” This objective will be assessed by the unit quiz. While reading and watching the content in the following links and videos, make note of historical facts and information so you can return to them as needed when working on the unit quiz. Be on the lookout for names of artists, influential people, artworks, important events, trends and values in the culture.
Early Northern Renaissance
The Northern Renaissance artists transformed the visual experience. The Medieval conceptual version of the world was no longer enough, the new sophistication of the cosmopolitan Northern cities, such as Bruges and Ghent, and their wealthy merchants demanded the illusion of reality. The painters of the North perfected the realistic representation of minute details to fascinate and mesmerize their audience.
Proto-Renaissance
Big changes were on the horizon for art-making in Europe. The Proto-Renaissance includes artworks that signal the paradigm shift away form the spiritual and towards more naturalistic representations.
Link #1: Italy 1300-1400
Northern Renaissance
In Northern Europe the growth of cities, increasing art market, and group of talented art makers started a revolution in a newly style of representation that was spectacularly realistic and detailed.
Link #2: Intro to Northern Renaissance
Link #3: Limbourg Brothers
Link #4: Merode Altarpiece
Link #5: Arnolfini Wedding Portrait
Link #6: Ghent Altarpiece (1)
Link #7: Ghent Altarpiece (2)
Link #8: Van Eyck on Google Art Project (Look through the paintings, and scroll to zoom in for incredible detail)
Link #9: Isenheim Altarpiece
More Learning Resources
Remember, since we can’t cover everything about art in this class, these reading assignments are based on the choices I have made for what to include, but there is much more that has not been included. If you are interested in learning more, please remember that our primary source, the Khan Academy, has lots of other videos and articles that explore this time and culture even further. You can explore them at Khan Academy (Early Northern Renaissance) or SmartHistory (Early Northern Renaissance).
These links are not required reading for this unit, but if you are interested in learning more, you might enjoy exploring these resources
The True Story of the Monuments Men
(we wouldn’t have the Ghent Altarpiece without their heroic efforts).
Tres Riche Heures on Web Museum
Tres Riche Heures on Wiki Commons — so beautiful it’s worth just browsing