Irene Smets

From Brussels and Bruges, I learned about the greatness of Flemish Primitives (early Netherlandish painting), and the Groeninge Museum is the most significant in Bruges. Evolving from International Gothic style, this period coincided with the early and high Italian Renaissance (though while there, their signs read Italian artists came to the Netherlands learning the Flemish Primitives style which then became inspirations and evolved into the Italian Renaissance). The book is very well organized with good details on the history of the period, photos of the art pieces, zoomed-in photos of key areas, backstories about the art, and introductions of the artists. This type of combination is truly the best for any art book.

Some notable pieces:
“The Virgin and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele” – 1436, by Jan van Eyck
The rendering of the various fabrics is enough to make this work masterful. The aging face of the Canon is photographic quality!

“Triptych of Willem Moreel” – 1484, by Hans Memling
Though religious theme is not my favorite, this ‘family portrait’ speaks volumes of the family unit then and the landscape of Bruges. I also enjoy the sheer veils of the ladies.

“The Judgement of Cambyses” – 1498, by Gerard David
The skinning alive of a corrupt judge – yikes!

“The Last Judgement” – early 16th century, by Hieronymus Bosch
It’s a Bosch and it’s about the Last Judgement – need I say more?

“Portrait of the Villers Family” – 1790, by Jan Bernard Duvivier
A family portrait of an aristocratic family serving the failing French regime – it’s haunting though not tragic as the father escaped the fate of the guillotine.

“La mare aux Fees’ at Fontainebleau – 1876, by Alphonse Asselbergs
Done during the era towards greater naturalism in 19th C, Brussels critic Camille Lemonnier wrote: “The moist fragrance of the open air begins to register. One feels the breakthrough of an intimate perception of nature, a love of light and a new feeling for the dawn and the setting of the sun. The spirit is roused by the vibration of the leaves, the joy of the sunshine and the whispering of the wind. At the same time, the artist seeks the right tones with which to represent nature, the harmony of plains and treetops – the soft, deep blue of the sky.”

“The River Lys at Astene” – 1885, by Emile Claus
Also of the same era, this piece is peaceful and serene, one to adorn any home.

“The Last Supper” – 1927, by Gustave van de Woestyne
A giant wall size piece that evokes the styling of Picasso with the gauntness of Van Gogh’s ‘Potato Eaters’

Lastly, a copy, not the original which is in Boston!
“St. Luke Drawing the Virgin’s Portrait” – 1500, copied from Rogier van der Weyden
Apparently, copies are meticulously done by students learning the art and is therefore prized nonetheless.
My perception is one of amusement as breastfeeding was once publicly recognized, drawn into religious art, and hung on church walls, but in modern times, is disavowed by the religious. Go figure.… (plus d'informations)