Works of Art  

What was the main purpose of the deposition?

• The Deposition  

▪ Rogier Van Weyden  

▪ 1400’s (1435)

▪ Early Northern renaissance  

o Purpose: To form a sense of guilt within the audience, want to become a better  Christian  

o Patron: painted for the Chapel of Our Lady Outside the walls of Leuven o What is it: The death of Christ, a very grievous and harsh piece depicting the  tragic end of Christ

o What to Consider: Look at realistic the painting looks. It looks as if you could put  your finger in the holes at Christ’s hand and side. The people look life like as  well. Giving off the impression of reality.  

• Nymph of the Spring

Who was the patron of the late northern renaissance?

▪ Lucas Cranach the Elder

▪ 1500’s (1537)

▪ Late Northern Renaissance

o Purpose: to give pleasure; to entertain

o Patron: Fredrick the Wise of Saxony in Wittenburg We also discuss several other topics like What do you call the behaviors that are instinctively known?

o What is it: it is his mistress, it is a portrait of pleasure, a private collection o What to Consider: when looking at this painting look at the two doves in the  corner, notice the cupid’s bow in the tree. These two things symbolize the love  that Fredrick feels for his mistress. Also when looking at the painting you can see  Fredrick’s castle in the back. It signifies his power and wealth.

• The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

▪ Durer

What is the goal behind society portraits?

▪ 1500

▪ Late Northern Renaissance

o Purpose: to send out a warning that the worse is coming, people need to start  believing, the world is going to end in a tragic and chaotic way

o Patron: The painting is for people of society. Durer is trying to scare society by  making them think the world is about to come to an end. He is trying to portray  what is going to happen and instill people with fear. He wants them to become  better people or prepare themselves for the end/the worst.  Don't forget about the age old question of Which part of the brain is responsible for memory?

o What is it: the painting represents death, famine, war, and conquest. It shows how  the world is chaotic and how people are destroying the world or how other outside  forces are destroying people/the world.

o What to consider: there is not a lot to consider in this painting other than how  gruesome everything is and how fearful the painting is.  

• The Four Apostles

▪ Durer

▪ 1500’s (1523-1526)

▪ Late Northern Renaissance

o Purpose: meant to scare the council and make them aware of the decisions they  are making about the town. When passing laws Durer wants them to base them  off the Bible.  

o Patron: Durer graciously gifted the council of Nuremburg Germany this beautiful  painting.  

o What is it: the painting is of John and Peter on the left and Mark and Peter on the  right. Durer wanted the council to be aware of any decision they were making and  make them feel as if the apostles were watching them while they discussed any  decisions.  We also discuss several other topics like How to identify the effect of business transactions on the accounting equation?
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o What to Consider: when looking at the painting notice how peter seems to be  looking at the council from the side. He wants the council to feel as if they are  being watched and monitored by God himself.  We also discuss several other topics like What types of tools were used by early geographers?
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• Henry VIII

▪ Hans Holbein

▪ 1500’s (1537)

▪ Late Northern Renaissance

o Purpose: This was a state portrait and was meant to be seen by the whole  community. It was to demonstrate his wealth and power.  

o Patron: the painting was created for Henry VII and the town because it was  displayed for everyone to see.  

o What is it: the painting is of Henry VIII himself and it celebrates his power and  wealth.  

o What to Consider: When looking at the painting look at what Henry VIII is  wearing. His clothing is embroidered with Gold and look how much cloth he has  on. This symbolized his wealth. Also look at his stance, it showed his strength and  power as well. It was meant to intimidate people. He didn’t want anyone to think  they were stronger or more powerful than himself.  

Terms:

1. Society Portraits: Paintings meant to be seen by society in order to create an image of  flattery, make the people in the portrait feel good about themselves

Time Periods:

• Late Northern Renaissance: 1500-1600, tries to combat secularism