Early Netherlandish Painting from Rogier Van Der Weyden to Gerard David (Studies in Medieval and Early Renaissance Art History) [Hardcover]

Otto Pacht (Author), M. Rosenauer (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1872501842 | ISBN-13: 978-1872501840 | Publication Date: December 1, 1997

Otto Pacht examines the great Netherlandish painters of the 15th and early 16th century by putting emphasis on formal analysis and on direct contact with the works of art themselves, and by discussing every facet of the works including style, mood, iconography, symbolism and construction of space. Otto Pacht's studies of the Early Netherlandish painters are the fruit of a lifetime's research. Following his book on the brothers Van Eyck and their circle, this volume deals with the next generation of artists, the great figures of the 15th and early 16th century: Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Aelbert van Ouwater, Dieric Bouts, Justus van Gent, Hugo van der Goes, Geertgen tot Sint Jans, Hans Memling and Gerard David. In the tradition of the Vienna School, Pacht's approach puts emphasis on formal analysis and on direct contact with the works of art themselves. Taking certain key works by each artist as examples, he discusses every facet of the work including style, mood, iconography, symbolism and construction of space. The chapters are linked by the theme of imitation and continuation: the author compares the same subject as treated by various artists and shows how artists adopted developed ideas and motifs first employed by their predecessors. Although his touchstone was the evidence of his eyes, Pacht was always responsive to the theories of other scholars, and this volume is a gateway to an influential period in the history of art. The proximity of the illustrations to the text enhances his account of the great figures of the period, and there is a folding plate, in colour, of Rogier van de Weyden's Last Judgement alterpiece for the chapel of the hospital, the Hotel-Dieu, in Beaume.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Harvey Miller Publishers (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1872501842
• ISBN-13: 978-1872501840
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,260,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT FLEMISH ART INFO, June 27, 2001

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SF RAGE (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Early Netherlandish Painting from Rogier Van Der Weyden to Gerard David (Studies in Medieval and Early Renaissance Art History) (Hardcover)

Unlike just a few years ago, today there are many books about Netherlandish and Flemish art of all periods. "From Rogier van Der Weyden to Gerard David" is a beautiful book filled with excellent color and b/w illustrations of the works being discussed. The authors are experts who give adequate details about the artist and his immediate circle, as well as the wider European influence on him and even the artist's effect upon the art world at that time and afterward. While the style is sedate and professional, it's never stodgy or overly academic, the authors being quite good at balancing the two. There are few gaps or unincluded details or individuals, so I can heartily recommend this for anyone who already loves Flemish art or those who want to learn more and to see clear, sharp reproductions of these incredible artists' work.