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From 1515 To 1535

4 min read
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

Islamic Art / The Met

    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

Netherlandish, Dinant or Bouvignes, active by 1515–died 1524 Antwerp / The Met

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

The Holy Family with the Young Saint John the Baptist

Italian, Florence 1486–1530 Florence / The Met

    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

Netherlandish, Cleve ca. 1485–1540/41 Antwerp / The Met

    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

Netherlandish, Cleve ca. 1485–1540/41 Antwerp / The Met

    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

Netherlandish, Heemskerck 1498–1574 Haarlem / The Met

    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

Netherlandish, active by 1510–died 1551 Bruges / The Met

    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

From 14th Century To 15th Century

From 14th Century To 15th Century

During the 14th and 15th centuries, artists in Europe began to break away from the traditional Gothic style. They began to experiment with new techniques and styles, resulting in a period of great creativity and innovation in the arts. Some of the most famous artworks from this period include the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and the sculptures of Donatello. Box with Romance Scenes     This coffret illustrated with scenes from Arthurian and other courtly literature of the M
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From 1819 To 1826

From 1819 To 1826

The 19th century was a time of great change in the world of art. Artists began to experiment with new styles and media, and the art world was forever changed as a result. Some of the most famous artists of the time include Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso. The Falls of Niagara     The painting is of Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.     The painting is based on a vignette of the falls from a map of North America published by Henry S. Tanner in 1822. Heroic Landscape w
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From 1787 To 1800

From 1787 To 1800

The 18th century was a time of great change in the world of art. New styles and genres emerged, and artists began to experiment with new techniques and materials. The art of the 18th century reflected the changing times, and the growing interest in the natural world and the human form. Elizabeth Farren (born about 1759, died 1829), Later Countess of Derby     The Irish actress Elizabeth Farren made her London debut in 1777 and soon became one of the most popular comic performers of the day.  
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