18 Nov Religious Symbolism in 15th Century Northern European Art
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Religious Symbolism in 15th Century Northern European Art
This discussion introduces an area of art history called iconography, the study of symbols. Northern Renaissance painting is not only rich in detail but layered with symbolic meaning. Some symbolic references are overtly religious, but many are disguised to us as everyday objects. These meanings would not be lost on a well-educated individual of the 15th century, but, for us, recognizing the symbols in Flemish painting takes a little investigation. You will find that knowing these nuances adds another level of understanding and appreciation for the works.
To begin, select and research one of the following paintings as your topic:
Master of Flémalle Workshop (Robert Campin?), Mérode Altarpiece (https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/early-europe-and-colonial-americas/renaissance-art-europe-ap/v/campin-merode-altarpiece-1425-28 ) [Video, 11 min 53 sec]
Hugo van der Goes, Portinari Altarpiece (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Hugo_van_der_Goes_004.jpg )
Your Post
In your initial post:
Introduce your work and, briefly, its subject.
Then, pick out five elements in the painting that have deeper meaning.
The text and the paintings’ links will help you begin your research, but you are not limited to these sources. Be sure to cite your sources in your post.
