Late Gothic and Early Renaissance: Jean Fouquet

Jean Fouquet

1420-1480 (France)

Image 1: Étienne Chevalier and his patron saint St. Stephen are depicted in the left wing panel of the Melun Diptych, 1452

Image 2: *Virgin and Child Surrounded by Angels* (right wing panel of the Melun Diptych), 1452

Image 3: Tribute by Édouard Ier to Philippe le Bel Grandes, illuminated manuscript, 1460

Image 4: The Fall of Jericho, illustrated manuscript, 1470

Research:

Jean Fouquet is a french manuscript illuminator from the 15th century. His work was appreciated, as he was the designer for Louis XI’s tomb in 1474 and titled “King’s Painter”. Fouquet is also the first French painter who went to Italy and implemented his experience from the Italian Renaissance. Influenced by Piero Della Francesca and Fra Angelico’s work, he gained and applied an understanding of volume and central perspective. Thus introducing his style, which combined that of the French Gothic and Italian Early Renaissance, as the new foundation for French Art in the 1400s. This, and his invention of portrait miniature, made him influential to art history.

Image 5: Jean Fouquet, self-portrait (1450)

Opinion:

I love to draw portraits, so I am really interested in the fact that Jean Fouquet invented portrait miniature. His self-portrait from 1450 is equally as interesting, as it is said to be possibly the first formal self-portrait. This portrait is different because it is in the form of an enamel-painted copper medallion. I also like the techniques Fouquet used. His self-portrait demonstrates two techniques relevant to Renaissance art: He painted directly on enamel with two gold tones in hatched strokes for a monochromatic effect, and he removed an enamel layer by fine needlepoint to create the face. Fouquet’s portrait achieved detail and expression. His eyes are quite engaging, as he was able to portray a certain intensity. I’m curious to know how Fouquet was able to create his self-portrait: Did he stare into a mirror?

Sources:

“Jean Fouquet.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 July 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Fouquet.

Jean Fouquet Facts, biography.yourdictionary.com/jean-fouquet.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Jean Fouquet.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 29 May 2019, www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Fouquet.

Image credit:

Image 1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melun_Diptych

Image 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melun_Diptych

Image 3: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Jean_Fouquet

Image 4: https://dailyoffice.wordpress.com/2016/07/16/morning-prayer-7-17-16-ninth-sunday-after-pentecost/joshua-fallofjericho-jean-fouquet-c-1470/

Image 5: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Fouquet

One thought on “Late Gothic and Early Renaissance: Jean Fouquet”

Jeff Burgess says:

October 9, 2020 at 10:09 pm

Clarice,

Very good work on Fouquet! Arguably the first French painter we know of individually in the history of art. Your images are great and your research is in-depth enough for this blog post. Also you have brought in your personal thoughts and feelings to the artist chosen which is just what I’m looking for. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more of the same from you.

Jeff

Clarice Mah