Jan van Eyck, Lucca Madonna, 1436.
Oil on panel, 65.7 x 49.6 cm.
Stadelsches Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt, Germany.
Stunning Madonna and Child by the Early Netherlandish master Jan van Eyck. An early Northern Renaissance painting. The small size suggests a private devotional painting set in a small private chapel of a wealthy patron. See how the deep red gown of the Madonna dominates the intimate deep perspective of the chapel. The deep red harmonises with the muted warm colours of the surroundings. The lighter skin tones of Christ and Madonna draw the eye directly to the main focus and meaning of the painting.
It is meticulously painted with intricate detail and realism. The intricate detail of the woven floor covering and background is a testament to the wonders of Northern Renaissance art. Traditionally known as the Flemish Primitives, they are anything but primitive and in many people’s minds, including myself, the Northern Renaissance artist surpasses that of the Italian Renaissance.
Like the Italian painters, the composition is based on a geometric design to create stability. The dominant triangular centre with Jesus and Madonna at the apex and the billowing mass of the red gown complete the dominant and stable centre. Flanked on each side of the chapel is a uniform window to the left and an arched alcove to the right. The rectangular canopy above and the rectangular floor covering complete this geometric design to give stability, harmony, strength, power and assuredness to the meaning. You are safe and protected following God.
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