Northern Renaissance Art Analysis

The Northern Renaissance began as a result of Italian's strong influence on neighboring countries when it came to artwork with Christian themes, as well as the prolonged conflict between France and England that caused several artists to relocate. In order to avoid the outbreak of The Hundred Year's War and successfully search for inspiration, artists migrated out of the country to further their work, while also showcasing new thoughts and ideals that were widely unknown to artists who lived in Germany, England and France. In spite of the overwhelming crisis that Europe was under, the country was still able to experience cultural growth and artist persisted with confidence and ambition, encouraging individuality and social freedom among their
This Mystery Painting is one of many pieces that have been interpreted differently between artists of the 14th century. To begin analyzing the artwork, you can see that two figures are engaging one another in what appears to be a small bedroom. The figure on the left, dressed white robes is engaging the kneeling figure on the right who has her hand raised in front of her. The position of their body language suggests an conversation significant to the subject of the painting, as well as the figures themselves. To identify both figures, their attire and status should be analyzed first. In most religious paintings the color blue is worn by the Virgin Mary, who is always depicted in a long cloak. Another indication that the figure is indeed Mary is the book she is holding in her left hand, which represents the forthcoming New Testament and the end of the Old Testament. With evidence from other interpretations of the Virgin Mary, it can be safely assumed that the robbed figure adjacent to her could be Gabriel the angel, which explains why she is depicted with wings and clothed in