The Flemish Masters

Flemish Masters – A Revolution of Light and Color

Flemish painting of the 15th and 16th centuries stands among the most significant achievements in art history. But what made it so revolutionary? From Jan van Eyck to Rogier van der Weyden to Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel – this volume reveals in 48 concise image analyses why these artists are regarded as the innovators of their time.

The oil painting perfected by Jan van Eyck resulted in an unprecedented brilliance of color, meticulous detail, and masterful interplay of light. His groundbreaking techniques inspired painters across Europe and laid the foundation for modern art. Matthias Depoorter highlights the influences, innovations, and interactions of these masterpieces, demonstrating how closely interconnected the artists were – borrowing ideas, refining them, and creating entirely new forms of expression.

An indispensable book for anyone engaging with the old masters or rediscovering the allure of Flemish painting.

- The Invention of Oil Painting! – How van Eyck's technique revolutionized art.
- Outstanding Detailed Reproductions – Artworks presented in impressive image quality.
- Historical Significance – An in-depth look at the greatest painters of the Flemish Renaissance.
- Inspiring Image Analyses – 48 concise examinations that reveal the unique qualities of the works.
- Catalog for the Hugo van der Goes Exhibition in Berlin – Providing contemporary context for Flemish painting.

A fascinating volume for art historians, students, collectors, and anyone who wishes to view the masterpieces of Flemish art with fresh eyes!

MATTHIAS DEPOORTER (*1980) is a writer and an art historian. He was one of the curators of the seminal exhibition Van Eyck: An Optical Revolution at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent and coordinated the accompanying scholarly publication.