Figure 8.8 The Elevation of the Cross, 1610, by Peter Paul Rubens, oil on wood, 462 × 341 cm, Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp.
Symbolism
The subject had a specific function. During Mass, the people would look up as the priest elevated the host, and also see the elevation of Christ’s cross above the altar. This was a visual reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
Triptych: From the Greek word for ‘threefold’, this work of art is usually a panel painting that is divided into three sections. These sections are sometimes hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open.
Judith Leyster (1609–1660) was a highly regarded portrait painter of the Dutch Golden Age. Find out about the life and successful career of this extraordinary artist and why her name remained largely unknown until the late 19th century.
CHAPTER 8 BAROQUE ART IN FLANDERS AND THE DUTCH REPUBLIC Artists of the Dutch Republic
Clara Peeters (1594–after 1657) Clara Peeters’ still life paintings featured valuable objects alongside exotic flowers, fruit and confectionery. Not a great deal is known about Peeters, but she is credited with introducing the ‘breakfast piece’ (Fig. 8.9). These compositions showed everyday foods arranged on narrow ledges and viewed from low vantage points, typically against dark backgrounds.
Set up a group of objects including a shiny spoon or another convex or concave shape. Include your own distorted image in your drawing. Variation: Set up several shiny objects for multiple tiny bits of your self-portrait.
