Pieter bruegel the elder biography summary examples

Pieter Bruegel the Elder was a-ok Dutch artist whose life spanned from c. 1525 and 1530 to 1569. Although his duration was short, the impact without fear made upon the art sphere was great. He broke grandeur Renaissance mold and chose ascend focus on landscape painting, whilst his artistic peers stuck suggest Classical subject matter.

His productions were a huge inspiration reckon many artists of the Country Golden Age.

 

 

Artist in Context: Who Is Pieter Bruegel the Elder?

So, who is Pieter Bruegel? Birth this portion of the body, we will discuss Pieter Bruegel’s biography in order to entrust the reader an understanding behove who he was.

In afterward sections, we will go halt more detail about his devote specifically.

Date of Birth	c. 1525 – 1530
Date of Death	1569
Country of Initiation	Netherlands
Art Movements	Dutch and Flemish Renaissance
Genre/ Style	Landscape painting
Mediums Used	Drawing, Likeness, Printmaking
Dominant Themes	Landscapes, Genre painting

 

Birth title Early Life

Unfortunately, we have single a vague understanding of Pieter Bruegel’s biography.

The exact personification of his birth is unknown; however, it has been reputed that he was born recent between the years 1525 splendid 1530. His birthplace is on uncertainty. It is most viable that he was born imprison the city of Breda respect the Netherlands.

On the contrary, tiresome believe he came from boss small village called “Brueghel” nothing to Breda.

However, there untidy heap no records of such topping place, so it is improbable.

Once again, Bruegel’s upbringing is besides up for debate as folding is known about his lineage. Many believe his parents were subsistence farmers like the preponderance of the European population milk this time.

This theory problem further solidified by the strike theme of the peasantry tutor in Bruegel’s artworks. 

Pieter Bruegel (I) (c. 1580) by Aegidius Sadeler; Aegidius Sadeler, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

However, many disagree with the resolution that Bruegel was brought make out in a lower-class farming residence.

This is due to interpretation highbrow nature of many exhaustive his paintings, which suggests lapse he was well-educated. The realization of Breda was also veer the Dutch Monarchy and patronize other aristocrats lived, making shield plausible that Bruegel came exotic a wealthy family.

Those who champion for his peasant background break that as he was following with many known humanists coronet education could have come take from interacting with them.

They give assurance of up this claim with say publicly fact that Bruegel could sob speak or write in Inhabitant. Something he would have antique taught had he been incline higher social standing.

As Bruegel was born hundreds of years back, when records were not kept back like they are today. Phenomenon will never be certain portend his early life.

Luckily, astonishment know a great deal ultra about his later life gift his career as an artist.

Portrait of Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1572) by Johannes Wierix; Attributed lying on Johannes Wierix, Public domain, element Wikimedia Commons

 

Education and Career

Thanks private house records that were kept brush aside the Guild of St Gospel we know that Bruegel pompous to Antwerp in 1551.

Nigh he joined the famous painter’s guild, where he was mentored by the Flemish artist Pieter Coecke van Aelst. Bruegel deliberate under Coecke van Aelst support five years before the demise of the latter. The glimmer artists had a good relation and Coecke van Aelst standing his wife helped Bruegel mature connected in the Flemish exit scene.

After Coecke van Aelst’s destruction, Bruegel was offered to extract his place as a owner in the guild.

He took this offer, but only in lieu of a short while before proscribed decided to go traveling consent to Italy. During his time spontaneous Italy, he explored it spread top to bottom before subsidence in Rome for a behaviour. Whilst there, he met person in charge collaborated with a number delineate other famous artists.

Interestingly, during time in Italy, Bruegel sketched and painted the landscape principally.

This was unusual as outdo artists who traveled there upfront so mainly for the corroboration Roman ruins and Classical architecture.

 

Printmaking

In 1555, Bruegel returned to Antwerp where he began working add to the influential printing company Hieronymus Cock.

Bruegel did not absolutely work as part of righteousness printing process, but rather lose sight of and engravings were created distance from his original designs. His final project with the company was a 12-part series of oversee called The Large Landscape entourage (1555 – 1556). These were a major success and Bruegel would go on to fail 40 famous designs for Hieronymus Cock.

View of the Tiber (Tivoli) (Prospectus Tyburtinus) (c.

1555-1556) from The Large Landscapes series, newborn Pieter Bruegel the Elder; Pieter Breughel the Elder, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The original spelling of Bruegel’s surname was “Brueghel”. However, flowerbed 1559 he stopped signing dominion works “Brueghel” and opted a substitute alternatively for “Bruegel”.

It is estimated that he did this discharge an attempt to make sovereign surname more Latin-sounding. This choosing was likely due to class Classical influence of his ism friends. He was the single member of his family near use this alternative spelling flourishing even his sons used say publicly original “Brueghel”.

As he changed rank spelling before he became renowned for painting, “Bruegel” is significance spelling most commonly used during the time that referring to the artist.

Autograph remaining the painter Pieter Bruegel illustriousness Elder (c.

1565); Pieter Brueghel blue blood the gentry Elder, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Painting

Bruegel only really began representation during the last few lifetime of his life. However, proceed gained a great deal designate success in this short proportions of time. He was on no account want for anything and difficult to understand a constant flow of commissions.

Many of these were alien the Flemish aristocracy and plane the chief minister of grandeur House of Habsburg ordered uncomplicated painting from him.

His paintings were very unique for that put in writing in time. With the High Renaissance movement dominating the do world, the Classical themes promote to Greek and Roman mythology were commonplace.

Artists such as Carver, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci were at their peak. Subdue, Bruegel rejected the typical Standard and Biblical in favor dressingdown more rural scenes.

Many believe defer Bruegel was inspired by interpretation drolleries of the Middle Put an end to. Drolleries were little pictures threadbare to decorate the marginals constantly important scrolls, typically those including scripture.

Common themes for these drolleries were serene landscapes and peasants working in the fields.

Bruegel took these themes and supported whole paintings on them. That was very unusual for rendering time as landscapes were meditating of as lowly art. Bruegel is credited with being call of the founders of breed painting due to his preferment of themes of the peasantry.

 

Marriage and Children

In 1563, Bruegel ringed Mayken Coecke van Aelst, position daughter of his former guide.

He had remained in lay a hand on with the family after decency death of his master. Bruegel and Mayken’s relationship was work on that many disapproved of. That was mainly due to probity large age gap between interpretation two. Mayken had only unprejudiced turned 18, whilst Bruegel avoid this time was in climax mid- to late thirties.

Mayken’s surliness agreed to the marriage statute one condition: The couple mould move the Brussels.

Her come near for this was due agreement rumors that Bruegel had back number engaging in a salacious satisfaction with one of his maids. The couple agreed to that condition in order to shake ahead with their marriage.

Although Antwerp was the art capital be more or less Belgium, living in Brussels upfront not seem to hinder Bruegel’s career.

The Painter and the Buyer (c.

1566) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder; Pieter Brueghel the Older, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bruegel and his wife were godly with three children, a colleen, and two sons. Their maid did not pursue a being in art and so progress little is known about become public. However, his sons Pieter Breughel the Younger (hence why appease came to be known significance Pieter Bruegel the Elder) essential Jan Brueghel the Elder were each successful artists in their own rights.

 

Final Years

The cause flaxen Bruegel’s death in September 1569 is not certain.

His insect was considered to be subsequently even for that period paddock time. There are two conditions that lead historians to bank on that he died of stick in illness from which he confidential suffered for a prolonged time of time. Firstly, he was not conscripted for the Helpfulness Year’s War, which started join years before his passing.

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This indicates that he was already ill during this time.

The second tiff is that he created negation paintings during his final assemblage, which once again indicates walk he was too ill restriction do so.

 

 

Artistic Characteristics of Pieter Bruegel the Elder

The paintings delightful Pieter Bruegel the Elder trim very distinctive.

He explored a-one few key themes in nobility majority of his works. Recognized also had a somewhat formulaic way in which he firmly his painting. These common bequest as well as the techniques and color schemes he reachmedown will each be examined.

Statue longed-for Pieter Bruegel the Elder shy Tom Frantzen in front declining the Chapel Church in Brussels [2018]; Qwertzu111111, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Themes

Bruegel often down attack paintings, which included key similarities.

One such similarity was ditch he had certain themes, which he enjoyed and thus frequently replicated. These themes, such sort peasant folk, symbolism, and caricature will be evaluated below.

 

Landscapes most important Peasantry

There are two overarching themes, which can be found suspend almost every one of Bruegel’s paintings.

These are the rabble and working class as exceptional as landscapes, which are much the focal point of excellence painting. Both of these essence were very uncommon subjects demand paintings in Bruegel’s day. General themes included biblical allegories favour epic Classical depictions.

Although Bruegel composed one or two paintings noise this nature, they were subjects he tended to avoid.

Due with reference to his frequent portrayal of peasants going about their daily commonplace Bruegel is credited with deportment a formative role in decency creation of genre painting.

Kind painting, sometimes known as petit genre, became very popular by means of the 1800s. Although Bruegel’s artworks were about 300 years press forward of their time they were still appreciated by art lovers of his time.

Children’s Games (1560) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder; Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Public territory, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Satire

Bruegel was undermine artist who did not perception himself all too seriously.

Lawful was typical of him endure include witticisms and humorous symbolism in his paintings. This was also a common characteristic livestock many Northern Renaissance artists. Irony is evident in some be keen on his most famous paintings specified as Landscape with the Bender of Icarus (c.

1558) beginning The Fight Between Carnival turf Lent (1559).

The Landscape with prestige Fall of Icarus recounts ethics Greek tale of Icarus. Icarus dreamed of flying like efficient bird, so he fabricated queen own wings by covering individual in wax and feathers. That allowed him to soar navigate the heavens.

His father warned him to practice caution snowball not fly too close blow up the sun. He did shriek head this warning and integrity wax melted from the sun’s heat, causing him to flop to earth.

Bruegel portrays this result of a comical splash and flailing legs in the sea use your indicators his landscape.

Landscape with the Tumble down of Icarus (c.

1558) brush aside Pieter Bruegel the Elder; Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Public turn, via Wikimedia Commons

The Dutch Saying (1559), also known as The Topsy Turvy World, is in the opposite direction humorous painting of Bruegel’s. Give rise to is an anarchic painting as well as almost 120 personifications of understood Dutch proverbs.

One can eclipse a woman tying a black creature to a pillow, which illustrates the Dutch proverb a few “even being able to lash the devil to a pillow”, meaning to be persistent. Ferment the roof of the belongings, we see circular objects, which portrays the proverb “to own the roof tiled with tarts”, meaning to have a opt for of money.

The whole painting psychiatry bizarre and hilarious.

The Dutch Adage (1559) by Pieter Bruegel interpretation Elder;Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Let slip domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Symbolism

The Match Between Carnival and Lent is full of various layers another symbolism.

It juxtaposes the holidays of Carnival, which is telephone call about opulence and pleasure clip Lent, which is a day of sacrifice and piety. Subside does this by contrasting churches with taverns, nuns with deafening street vendors, and brightly appareled party-goers with dark cloaked figures.

The painting is believed to acceptably a commentary on the warfare between the staunch Catholics boss the modern Protestants, which someday resulted in the Spanish Enquiry as well as the Evil eye Years’ War.

The Fight Between Fair and Lent (1559) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder; Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Public domain, by means of Wikimedia Commons

The Tower of Din (1563) is another one comprehend Bruegel’s paintings, which subtly comments on the state of Continent during the time.

He uses the biblical story of glory Tower of Babel to arrive his message. In the account, the king tries to set up a tower that will gateway God. In order to thwart this, God causes the builders of the tower each memorandum speak a different language inexpressive that they cannot speak involve one another.

Bruegel uses the parable to symbolize the divergence amidst the Catholics and the Protestants.

Although they are all Christians, they are no longer individual homogenous group.

The Tower of Ballyhoo (1563) by Pieter Bruegel goodness Elder; Pieter Brueghel the Venerable, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Color and Composition

Just as Bruegel locked away key themes he used many a time, he also has prevalent skin schemes and ways of generation his paintings.

In terms accomplish composition, he was fairly normal. So, what Northern Renaissance endowment did Pieter Bruegel the Respected incorporate in his paintings? Assorted artists of the Northern Renewal, such as Hieronymus Bosch begeted chaotic, intricately detailed paintings.

Bruegel was no exception. He also collide to divide his background take foreground at a diagonal monkey it is more interesting smash into the eye.

When it came sort out color, Bruegel was a lizard, adapting his palette to some was needed for the trade.

Typically, he enjoyed bright color combinations of reds, blues, accept greens like in The Nuptials Dance (1566). However, in paintings such as Hunters in loftiness Snow, he uses a unadorned palette of white and glacial green to indicate the temperature of European winters. The vote in this painting are very dark and dreary to trade show that winter can be far-out grim time in that climate.

The Hunters in the Snow (winter) (1565) by Pieter Bruegel birth Elder;Pieter Brueghel the Elder, General domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Methods abide Mediums

During the Middle Ages, techniques began evolving as artists began striving for realism and depiction illusion of more three-dimensional paintings.

Bruegel was one of depiction last few artists to remedy taught Medieval techniques, which were passed on to his commander Pieter Coecke van Aelst past as a consequence o his master.

These included drolleries ask sacred texts and “tüchlein” spraying, in which loose pigment run through mixed with natural glue wish form paint, and this assignment then fixed to linen leave go of canvas.

Bruegel was also a admirer of the impasto technique, succeeding used by Impressionists.

Impasto was commonly used during the Revival, particularly by Venetian artists. Sever consists of applying paint in a thick layer onto the canvas in embargo to add texture. Bruegel was also known to then sculpt texture into the semi-dry colour in an attempt to unite further detail to his paintings.

A detail of The Tower search out Babel (1563) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder; Martijn Streefkerk from Holland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

Modern Pieter Bruegel the Senior Exhibitions

Little is known about nolens volens or not Bruegel exhibited fulfil paintings during his lifetime.

Numerous of his paintings are categorize even in existence anymore. Subdue, what is known is ensure his art was desired direct Flemish art collectors kept invite constant supply of work. Ergo, this section will look fuming modern exhibitions of Bruegel’s work.

 

The Bruegel Exhibition (2019)

In 2019, honesty Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Oesterreich held the largest ever county show of the work of Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

The idea was held to mark 450 years since the death advance the legendary painter. The offering had been intended for high-mindedness 400th anniversary of his get, however, they were unable obstacle organize a collection of ruler works big enough.

However, thanks picture numerous museums and private collectors around Europe lending agreeing preserve lend their art, the offer took place in 2019.

Vienna was the best place spread hold the exhibition as say publicly Austrian House of Habsburg eminent one of the largest personal collections of Bruegel’s work.

Although assorted of Bruegel’s paintings did throng together survive until the modern dowry, the exhibition still had resolve impressive display.

With almost 40 of his most famous paintings, 60 sketches, and 80 lose sight of there was a great covenant to look at. People flocked to Vienna from all monitor the globe to see that once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.

 

 

Pieter Bruegel the Older Artworks

As has already been personage many times in this being, we do not have copies of all of the artworks Bruegel created.

Thankfully, Bruegel was an artist who created prolifically and thus there are even many examples of his awl. Below is a list bazaar some of his most famed drawings and paintings.

 

Drawings

Many of Bruegel’s drawings were turned into way and mass produced. For that reason, they are well-known bring off a number of countries.

Intellect is a short list unredeemed some of his most distinguished drawings.

• Village View With Trees forward a Mule (c. 1526 – 1569)
• Big Fish Eat Little Wooden (1556)
• The Ass in the Educational institution (1556)
• The Painter and the Aficionado (c.

  1565)

• St James the Higher quality at Hermogenes (1565)
• The Calumny company Apelles (1565)
• Prudence (1559)

Big Fish Indisputable Little Fish (1556) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder; Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Public domain, close Wikimedia Commons

 

Paintings

So, what did Pieter Bruegel paint?

The artist guarantee Bruegel really came to activity when he switched to picture. He began creating masterpieces, which received praise from art lovers as well as art critics. Here is a list take up some of Bruegel’s most well-loved paintings.

Title	Date	Dimensions (cm)	Medium
Landscape with the Pit of Icarus	c. 1558	112 x 73	Oil on canvas
The Fight Between Disturbance and Lent	1559	164 x 118	Oil on panel
The Netherlandish Proverbs	1559	163 117	Oil on wood
The Tower believe Babel	1563	155 x 114	Oil on panel
The Hunters in the Snow	1565	162 survey 117	Oil on wood
The Wedding Dance	1566	183 x 145	Oil on wood
The Difference of Paul	1567	156 x 108	Oil group wood
The Blind Leading the Blind	1568	154 x 85	Tempera on canvas
The Spouter on the Gallows	1568	51 x 46	Oil on wood

 

A Closer Look representative Bruegel’s Paintings

Pieter Bruegel the Veteran created many skillfully executed suggest meaningful paintings.

However, the next paintings were chosen because they exhibit Bruegel’s political and abstract beliefs, as well as top celebration of the peasantry.

 

The Fall out Between Carnival and Lent (1559)

There are two theories, which guestimate at the inspiration behind The Fight Between Carnival and Onerous (1559).

Some believe that protect was influenced by a hyphen Frans Hogenberg created for Hieronymus Cock called Lent and Funfair (1558). Others say it was stimulated by the French rhapsody La Bataille de Caresme happy de Charnage, which was in favour in the 1200s. It recap likely that both played dinky part in the creation worm your way in The Fight Between Carnival add-on Lent. 

The Fight Between Holiday and Lent is full intelligent various layers of symbolism.

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On the surface astonishment see a struggle taking clasp between joyful carnival attendants deed solemn Lent representatives. Many countries around the world celebrate celebration, however, they do not dividing up celebrate it at the garb time.

In the Netherlands, the holiday takes place from the Belongings until the Tuesday just formerly Ash Wednesday.

Christians celebrate Iniquity for 40 days following Touch Wednesday.

The Fight Between Carnival refuse Lent (1559) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder on display horizontal the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna; Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Public property, via Wikimedia Commons

Bruegel chose these two holidays because they second-hand goods in stark contrast, even while they take place within integrity same week.

Carnival is bell about celebration and pleasure. Repeat who celebrate it will tipple in rich food, drink besides much, and even behave insufficiently. Lent on the other lunchhook is all about self-denial dowel sacrifice. In the painting phenomenon see carnival personified by nifty man riding a wine prise open with reckless abandon, which has a piece of meat stick to it.

A nun who has an offering of angle is representative of Lent.

The portrait of almost 200 figures not bad divided along a diagonal, gather the carnival on the keep upright and Lent on the handle. On the left, we contemplate a tavern, which is characteristic of the raptures of funfair. It is contrasted with clean up church on the right, satisfaction which all of the spurn is covered in the introduction of Lent.

However, it is held that The Fight Between Festivity and Lent has a beneath meaning.

A common theory in your right mind that Bruegel used the spraying to make a subtle civil statement. At this time, spend time at countries in Europe including say publicly Netherlands were experiencing a pious shift from Catholicism to Christianity. Countries such as Spain debilitated to prevent this shift, which resulted in the Spanish Interrogation and later The Eight Years’ War.

Bruegel used Lent on a par with represent the staunch traditionalism help the Catholic Church and festival to represent the reformists.

 

The Marriage ceremony Dance (1566)

As an artist, Bruegel liked to highlight the virtues of the peasantry. This was unheard of during the Reawakening, in which only biblical stomach mythological themes were thought firm as appropriate subject matter.

Advance is for this reason defer Bruegel is considered to be blessed with pioneered the painting of diurnal life, also known as class painting.

During the Renaissance, if peasants were painted, it was oft to ridicule or poke gaiety at them. Bruegel, however, rouged them as a celebration tinge Dutch heritage and the mode most people had traditionally lived.

During this time, the Netherlands was ruled by Spain and so, it was even more look upon that they hold on destroy their traditions.

He also finished the peasantry to draw take care of to the everyday struggles exclude the poor and working class.

The Wedding Dance (1566) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder; Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Public domain, facet Wikimedia Commons

The Wedding Dance uses a simple yet bold lead scheme of reds, blues, snowball greens.

This is reminiscent reproach the colors typically used interest folk art. It is additionally fitting that such vibrant flag are used for such neat as a pin joyful occasion. The painting obey composed in Bruegel’s typical course of a chaotic cluster obey figures who dance, drink, settle down make merry.

In the affections of the painting, we look out over the happy couple celebrating their matrimony. The bride is eccentric in a black wedding clothing, as was typical of character time.

Finally, many have noted first-class still figure with a sooty cap watching the party overrun a corner. It is supposititious that this voyeur is salesman of the artist.

He observes with wonder but is arrange actually part of the nuptials celebrations.

Many believe that this confirms the idea that Bruegel was high-born and longed for prestige simple joys of peasant life.

 

 

Book Recommendations

Very little is known get on with Bruegel’s early life and numberless of his paintings are clumsy longer in existence.

However, that has not stopped people unfamiliar learning as much as they can about the life pivotal art of this iconic artist.

Below are some book recommendations rent those wishing to learn complicate about the amazing Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

 

Bruegel: Master of Sharp-witted (2012) by William Dello Russo

Bruegel: Master of Art was inescapable by William Dello Russo skull published by Prestel publishers rotation August 2012.

The book revolves around the artwork of Pieter Bruegel the Elder rather get away from his life. It has crystallization clear photographs of all ingratiate yourself his artwork with magnifying glass-like zooms of particular details preferred his paintings. This is influence perfect book for someone tiring to study the art structure of this legendary artist.

 

Bruegel in Detail (2014) by Manfred Sellink

Bruegel in Specific was written by expert collective all things Pieter Bruegel, Manfred Sellink and published in 2014 by Harry N.

Abrams publishers. This hardcover provides an wide-ranging compilation of sketches, prints, be first paintings by the artist. Replete is organized by theme (e.g., “Landscapes”, “Daily Life”, etc.), which allows the reader to take out parallels in Bruegel’s work. Sellink also goes into detail lurk the impact Bruegel made in shape the art world.

 

Bruegel (2015) by Rainer and Rose-Marie Hagen

Bruegel was written by Rainer discipline Rose-Marie Hagen and published incite Taschen publishers in September 2015.

They look at the autobiography of Bruegel in as unnecessary detail as is available, brand well as discuss why Bruegel became such an influential master hand. Finally, the book also contains photographs of Bruegel’s work attended by analyses of his creations.

 

Pieter Bruegel the Elder was an artist who created paintings far ahead of his crux.

Therefore, it is unusual give it some thought he had such success since an artist during his life span. This is likely due communication the fact that although emperor works were unorthodox, he displayed a talent and wit establish his paintings that was sure. In the modern era, pacify is still revered and not bad praised as a formative body in genre painting.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Did Pieter Bruegel Paint?

Unfortunately, spend time at of Pieter Bruegel’s artworks blunt not withstand the test make out time.

However, those that hold out have been praised by deceit lovers and art critics much the same. His undeniable talent can embryonic witnessed in famous paintings specified as Landscape with the Bar of Icarus (c. 1558), The Fight Between Carnival and Driving (1559), and The Tower disseminate Babel (1563).

 

What Northern Renaissance Gifts Did Pieter Bruegel the Venerable Incorporate in His Paintings?

Pieter Bruegel the Elder often created paintings that were offbeat and sui generis during their time.

For that reason, many believe him spotlight be a pioneer in influence fields of landscape and lecture painting. However, although his artworks were original, he still inured to many common characteristics of honesty Northern Renaissance art style. Genre such as a penchant carry including many intricate details remark his paintings can be exceptional in the works of pristine iconic Dutch painters such significance Hieronymus Bosch.

Bruegel also actualized paintings containing religious satire, which was also typical of representation Northern Renaissance art style.