Gothic Painting

From Sister Wendy Becket,
The Story of Painting
“The Gothic style began with the architecture of the 12th century, at the height of the Middle Ages, when Europe was putting the memory of the Dark Ages behind it and moving into a radiant new era of prosperity and confidence.

From Sister Wendy Becket,
The Story of Painting
“In the realm of painting, the change to the new style became visible about a century after the first of these cathdrals rose. In contrast to the Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the most noticeable feature of the art of the Gothic period is its increased naturalism. This quality, which first appeared in the work of Italian artists in the late 13th century, became the dominant painting style throughout Europe until the end of the 15th century.”

Instructive Art
Early Gothic art was almost entirely religious in nature.
It was intended to teach the largely illiterate public or to serve as spiritual aids for prayer, in the Byzantine tradition.

Italian Origins
The Gothic style in painting emerged in Italy in the 13th century.
This is partly due to the tendency of Italian church building to retain large wall spaces, suitable for frescos. Gothic architecture in the North resulted in a movement to stained glass.

Departure from Byzantine Influence
Though it may not appear clear to the modern eye, Italian painters departed from Byzantine formalism as they sought greater realism.
There is an interest in producing the illusion of depth, though mathematical perspective remained unknown.

Cimabue
Working in Florence at the end of the 13th century, he moved away from the flatness of icon painting.
His Maesta figures have a sweetness about them.
The drapery looks soft.
3 dimensionality is hinted at.

Cimabue

Duccio of Sienna
Much greater three dimensionality appears in the work of Duccio.
His figures are more “solid” than Cimabue’s.

Painting with Gold
This most valuable metal has always been reserved for the most important works – in sculpture, painting, or architectural detailing.

Painting with gold
In Byzantine and Medieval painting, gold was used to indicate the spiritual or heavenly sphere.
Its reflective properties are superbly suited to candle-lit illumination.

Painting With Gold

Painting With Gold
Sometimes a greenish colour tinges the gold.
This is the result of natural impurities showing through.

Simone Martini
One of the most influential of the Italians was Simone Martini, also of Sienna, and a disciple of Duccio.
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Simone Martini
At the end of his life, Martini resided in Avignon, the temporary residence of popes.
This brought his style to the attention of the French.

Simone Martini
Martini’s colours and architectural backgrounds are in the manner of Duccio.
His modeling of people, however, is in the more radical style of Giotto.

Simone Martini

The International Gothic Style
This courtly style was popular throughout Europe and came to be known as International Gothic.

The Wilton Diptych
The Wilton Diptych is a prime example of this style.
Richard II , accompanied by two saintly kings and John the Baptist, receives the blessing of the Christ Child as he is held in the arms of Mary and surrounded by bejeweled angels.

Illumination
This courtly style was particularly suited to illuminated works produced for noblemen.

The Limbourg Brothers
The greatest of all of Medieval illuminators were three brothers, Pol, Herman and Jean Limbourg, who worked for the immensely rich Duc de Berry.

The Limbourg Brothers
Historians have found this volume a particularly rich source of information on the lives of rich and poor in early 15th century France.

The Limbourg Brothers
Their work displays courtly refinement .
…mixed with every day reality

Questions
When appeared gothic style?
Which style in painting emerged in Italy in the 13th century?
Who was Simone Martini?