art movements

Flemish School (from 1600 to 1800)

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The Flemish style of art began in the 15th century and was inspired by the manuscript illumination and art of the Burgundian court.

The first center of Flemish art was Bruges, recieving this reputation with the help of Hubert and Jan van Eyck in the 15th century. Paintings of this time were excuted in a realist style and often contained depictions of elaborate materials and fabrics and religious symbols.

In the 16th century, Italian influences appeared and the center of artistic production moved to Antwerp. While some artists embraced the Italain style, others ignored the fashions and retained their indivdual style. The 17th century was marked by the influence of Peter Paul Rubens, the foremost Flemish artist. After the 17th century, Flemish art declined with the emergence of the French Rococo style.

Known for inventing oil painting, other characteristics of Flemish art included attention to detail, bright colors, and superior technique. It mainly dealt with religious subjects and was often set in contemporary landscapes, townscapes, and interiors. Other Flemish characteristcs included idealism and exploration of perspective.

Characterised by idealism and experimentation with perspective, Flemish Art thrived in the 15th century with artists such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Hans Memling and Dirk Bouts. They specialised in portrait painting with religious themes and complicated iconography.

In the 16th century travel to Italy became easier resulting in many of the Flemish artists beginning to display techniques learnt from the Renaissance artists and architects. Key figures at this time included Patenier, Elsheimer and Massys.

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