Hugo Van Der Goes
Flemish artist
There is no known date for the Ghent painter, Hugo Van Der Goes’ birth as of yet, but the year of his birth is estimated to be 1440. He was a Flemish painter who flourished in the second half of the 15th century. The majority of his work is religious paintings, which can be disturbing and violent at times, but can also be really nice and show pleasure in individuals who are worshiping and obeying their religion. Van der Goes’ paintings make use of the following tools and knowledge: various types of brushstrokes, accurate shades and attention to detail, the use of balanced colours, expressions on faces that portray the various emotions we experience, and so on.
Van der Goes’ masterpieces:
The Portinari Altarpiece, also known as the Portinari Triptych, is an oil painting on wood triptych. It measures 253 by 304 cm and is currently on display in the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, Italy.
- I am touched by everything in this scene. Angels in the sky and on the ground bowing and encircling and guarding Jesus, who had just been born. Mary is beaming with pride as she looks at her child. All of these lovely sceneries are taking place, which speaks a lot about how talented Van Der Goes was at demonstration.
Death of the Virgin, is a very detailed oil painting on a wooden surface. The Virgin Mary can be seen on her deathbed. The artwork measures 147.8cm by 122.5cm and is possibly one of his final works completed before his death.
- This is one of my favourite of his works of art. I’m obsessed with how he portrayed Mary’s death on her deathbed, and how her son is prepared to rejoin with her mother by welcoming her with open arms.
Jacob and Rachel. Materials used in this art piece are ink and pen. The Dimensions are 338 x 572 cm. The shading part of this artwork has a lot of contrast, and no spot is left meaningless.
The Fall of Man and The Lamentatio measures around w219 x h322 cm. This piece illustrates how the snake tricked Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden apple.
Personally, I admire his art because I enjoy oil painting, portraiture, and realism. His paintings seem to resonate to me because they express both the frustrations and joys that come with following and adoring a faith.
Christ on the cross. The measures are 258 x 204 cm. This image essentially portrays Christ on the cross by himself. He’s skinny and in pain as he’s captured.
Sources used: https://www.britannica.com/topic/altarpiece , http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/old-masters/hugo-van-der-goes.htm , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_the_Virgin_(van_der_Goes) , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portinari_Altarpiece , The Story Of Art book.