International Gothic Style
The
gothic style of painting, sculpture and decorative arts that developed in the last
quarter
of the 14th and first quarter of the 15th century spread widely across Europe –
this created the name for the period – the international style.
The
International
Gothic
style
acted as a
bridge between Gothic art and Renaissance art.
Characteristics of the style
- Curving lines & Abundance of movement
- Mastery of miniature portrait painting
- Human figure:
- elongated, curved
- delicate facial features, blond hair, small lips
- Few emotions, gestures, typically sweet and smiling
- Figures were depicted in an elegant and graceful style, although compared with later Renaissance art they possessed a certain artificiality.
- decorative (patterns, colors) – more details and bright colours
- ornate architecture
- Introduction of natural details with symbolic character
- Clothing - This style is characterized by ornate costumes embellished with gold leaf and by subject matter literally fit for a king, including courtly scenes and splendid processions
- gold, raised gesso
- realism in nature or non-aristocratic figures/elements – the beginnings of real landscape painting
- Importance of the anecdote - narrative
- OVERALL: elegant, otherwordly, escapist, decorative
The Wilton Diptych
You will need to be able to answer the following areas when studying the International Gothic Style:
- Style
- Representation of the human figure
- Function
- Period in which it was produced.
- composition
Les Trés Riches Heures du Duc le Berry
Exam questions
2007
Describe
and discuss Les Très Riches Heures
du Duc
de Berry by
the Limbourg
brothers which is illustrated on the accompanying sheet making
reference to style, composition, function and
the period
in which it was produced
and
name,
and briefly describe and discuss one other work from this period.
Illustrate
your answer.
2005
Discuss
one of
the following works in detail, making reference to technique/style
and
the
period in which it was produced:
•The
Virgin and Child window from the Cathedral at Chartres.
•A
painting by Duccio.
•The
Wilton Diptych.
Name
and describe one other work from
the same
period. Illustrate
your answer.
2004
The Wilton Diptych and
Les
Très
Riches Heures
du Duc
de Berry are
examples of the International Gothic style.
Discuss and compare
these works with particular reference to style, representation
of the human figure and
function.
Both works are illustrated on the accompanying sheet.
Illustrate your answer.
