Robert Campin was a Dutch painter who often is credited as the first person to paint realistic oil paintings in the Netherlands. Born in 1378 and died in 1444, Campin realistic paintings gave the works a sense of heft which is believed to be associated with Burgundian sculptures. Campin painted a lot of religious pieces including three version of “Virgin and Child” however, Campin also painted simple pieces like “A Man” and “A Women.” It is commonly thought he held a seat in office in Tournai but lost this seat due to a scandal of adultery and having a mistress. The result of this scandal was he was banished for a year although it was later reduced to only a fine. heavily debated is whether Campin was also the famous “Master of Flémalle”.

 

“Virgin and child before a firescreen” One of three “Virgin and Child” pieces, Campin’s painting depicts a classic scene of Christ in his mother’s arms in front of a fireplace.

“Virgin and child in an interior” One of three “Virgin and Child” pieces, Campin’s painting depicts a classic scene of Christ in his mother’s arms by the warmth of a fire.

“Virgin and child apes with two angels” One of three “Virgin and Child” pieces, Campin’s painting depicts a classic scene of Christ in his mother’s arms. However, in this scene, he takes a different approach from the last two by incorporating two angels. Along with the angels comes the faded robes of Madonna who instead is signified by the bright blue and red robes of the angels.

Rober Campin’s “A Man”

Robert Campin’s “a Women”