From Memling to Rubens: The Golden Age of Flanders by Katharina Van Cauteren et al (review)
James P. Gilroy
Reviewed by: From Memling to Rubens: The Golden Age of Flanders by Katharina Van Cauteren et al James P. Gilroy Cauteren, Katharina, al. Flanders. Hannibal, 2021. ISBN 978 94 6388 744 1. Pp. 432. This richly illustrated book is the catalogue an exhibit held at Denver Art Museum, from October 2022 January 2023, titled “Saints, Sinners, Lovers, and Fools: 300 Years Flemish Masterworks.” Over a hundred paintings created in French Flemish-speaking Southern Netherlands fifteenth seventeenth centuries were displayed are reproduced catalogue. volume divided into two parts. first half insightful, somewhat irreverent, narrative Phoebus Foundation Antwerp, whose collection provided most on display. With works art as examples, she traces social religious evolution cities Brabant late Middle Ages through Renaissance Baroque era. part sphere influence since they ruled for over century Dukes Burgundy, cousins Kings France. sought recreate Carolingian “middle empire” Lothair (22). Tournai-born painter Rogier der Wyden, “the court dukes Burgundy Brussels” influenced several later artists, like Master Prado Adoration (232) Hugo Goes his “emotionally charged” inspiration (238). A artist, Joos Cleve, was engaged King Francis Ist do series portraits royal family (282). Medieval highly import. Church inspired fear hell among people, who urged follow righteous path this life be deemed worthy entrance heaven after death. Painters teachings Saint Assisi preached more human image God. maternal love Mary her Son sufferings Jesus Cross became intensely felt artists their public. “Modern Devotion” that developed beheld manifestations divine presence every aspect nature humanity. growing middle class commercial centers Antwerp emulate but came challenge nobility clergy had dominated society up until then. There secularization desire worldly affluence prestige stronger motivation than fears about afterlife. second devoted analyses individual six experts. They trace noteworthy artistic trends. Just painters Italian depiction minute details technique oil canvas, Northern masters Rubens traveled Italy under Titian Caravaggio others. former’s dynamic use color latter’s realism chiaroscuro painters, Rubens’s disciples, Dyck Jordaens. [End Page 229] University (CO) Copyright © 2023 American Association Teachers
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