Ruled by a succession of very wealthy Dukes, Burgundy (today parts of France, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands) produced some of the most important art of the 15th century.
1400 - 1500 (Northern Renaissance)
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Rogier van der Weyden, The Descent from the Cross
Van der Weyden captures grieving bodies with meticulousness and compositional rhythm.
Jan van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait
Marriage portrait, or memorial? This dense and detailed painting does not lack for symbols—or interpretations.
Hans Memling, Saint Ursula Shrine
Each panel of this reliquary is carefully painted with scenes from Saint Ursula's pilgrimage.
Rogier van der Weyden, The Seven Sacraments
Van der Weyden's detailed painting invites the viewer to spend time with each of the seven sacraments.
Jan van Eyck, Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele
Van Eyck's painting is wonderfully complex, from the fine wrinkles of van der Paele's face to the shiny reflection of Saint George's armor.
The Holy Thorn Reliquary of Jean, duc de Berry
Jean, duc de Berry spared no expense for this dazzling reliquary containing a thorn from the Crown of Thorns.
Stefan Lochner, Madonna of the Rose Bower
The overriding quality of Lochner's Madonna of the Rose Bower is an intense sweetness.
Hans Memling, Diptych of Maarten van Nieuwenhove
Diptych of Maarten van Nieuwenhove is one of the most important diptychs of the fifteenth century, both for its innovative subject matter and condition.
Petrus Christus, A Goldsmith in his Shop
We stand on a Bruges street and approach a goldsmith’s shop. Hang on, is that a falcon? Looks like we have company.
Hugo van der Goes, Portinari Altarpiece
This particular artwork perfectly embodies all the things that northern European painters were thought to do best.
Fit for a duke: Broederlam’s Crucifixion Altarpiece
Introducing a lavish altarpiece with vibrant images. Exploring the narrative and visual threads that connect its featured stories.
