From 1515 To 1535

In the 16th century, art history saw a number of important changes. One of the most significant changes was the move from the medieval period to the Renaissance. This period saw a renewed interest in the classical world, and a new focus on realism and perspective in art. Other important developments during this time included the emergence of the Northern Renaissance and the rise of Mannerism.

Dragon-Handled Jug with Inscription

    This jug is covered with intricate silver and gold inlay, including a minute inscription around the base of its neck.
    It is inscribed with an invocation to 'Ali ibn Abi Talib the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Penitence of Saint Jerome

    Albrecht Durer referred to the artist in 1521 as the "good landscape painter."

The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist

    This painting was commissioned by Giovanni Borgherini at a time when Florence had freed itself of Medici dominance.
    The painting shows John the Baptist passing the orb to Christ, indicating him as sole ruler of the city.
    In 1532, the Medici family was reinstated violently and permanently as its rulers.

Virgin and Child

    The painting is a combination of two iconographic themes - the joys of motherhood and the sorrowful premonition of Christ's death.
    The painting depicts a sleeping infant, which is traditionally understood as a prefiguration of the dead Christ embraced by the Virgin, known as the Pietà.
    Contemplating her devotional reading, Mary points to her prayer book, in which two pages are legible.

The Last Judgment

    This majestic scene is divided into heavenly and earthly zones, which are linked by two hovering angels blowing trumpets.
   Christ appears at the moment of judgment in a burst of light and color, surrounded by clouds and putti and flanked by the apostles
   He blesses the saved, shown at lower left, while Saint Michael shepherds the damned into hell burning in the distance at the right

Jacob Willemsz van Veen (1456–1535), the Artist's Father

    This sober image of the artist's father was painted in the year Heemskerck left Haarlem for an extended trip to Italy.
    The inscription on the parapet reads, "My son portrayed me here when I had lived seventy-five years so they say."
    Departing from his usual classicizing style, the artist reverted to vernacular Dutch in Gothic letters, declaring this a portrait grounded in life and experience.

Man Weighing Gold

    This portrait is among the first to depict a professional activity.
    The man depicted in the portrait is wearing expensive fur, and may have been a merchant or banker.
    The man is defined by his profession, not his piety.

Portrait of a Man