The Northern Renaissance and Modern Art

Artistic Evolution in the Northern Renaissance

Art evolves depending on the prevailing cultural inclinations. The embrace of different patterns and styles in artistic initiatives underlined the subject shifts. One of the major periods of artistic re-definition occurred between the 14th and 17th century. The Northern Renaissance inspired a significant shift in the artistic world. Primarily, the term refers to “Renaissance happenings that occurred within Europe, but outside of Italy”. The Northern Renaissance entailed cultural elements that were uniquely modern. The examination of The Self-Portrait of Albert Durer reveals various components of modern art. Since the painting was developed between the 14th and 17th century, this analysis will reveal some of the cultural elements in the Northern Renaissance that point back to modernity.

Humanism in The Self-Portrait of Albert Durer

Humanism as a component of Northern Renaissance is clearly reflected in the painting. The humanistic ideals underlined the development of The Self-Portrait of Albrecht Durer through the emphasis on the value and dignity of human beings. By capturing his own image, Durer emphasized on the component of human fallibility. Humanism entails the normalization of the noble character. The image in the picture is almost similar to the portrait of Jesus. By personalizing the image, the artist succeeds in capturing the normalcy of the portrait. The image was an extension of the human-inclined principle that had been developed by Martin Luther King (Harbison 66). The philosopher played a crucial role in facilitating an approach that would allow more humanistic inquiries on the Christian ethos (Calvin, Luther and Calvino 56). In line with the calls for the affording of individuals the freedom to interpret the scriptures based on their own understanding, The Northern Renaissance encouraged people to embrace a framework that would streamline different interpretations and understanding of their settings.

Realism in The Self-Portrait of Albert Durer

Realism also formed a crucial part of Northern Renaissance. As a modern component, realism encouraged the engagement of relatable aesthetics. For instance, by relying on his image for the development of the art-work, Durer sought to reflect true humanistic features. Realism was a major component in Northern Renaissance (Harbison 31). More artists sought to embrace an artistic pattern that would reflect true humanistic features. Rather than relying on illusions, as had been the case in the Italian Renaissance, the Northern Renaissance was predicated on the need to augment quality of art through the allusion to realism. Some of the realist features in The Self-Portrait of Albretch Durer include the flow of hair. Essentially, facial components such as beard, the white skin and movement of the arm points to a realist approach in the development of art. Thus, Durer was inspired by the desire to correctly infer realistic features in his painting. Realism is also critical in defining an individual’s perspective. The painting, while emphasizing on the realist components, provides a context that is subjective. From the inferences, the audience is able to conclude and establish the author’s perspective.

Individualism in The Self-Portrait of Albert Durer

Individualism also underlines the development of The Self-Portrait of Albrecht Durer. Given that the painting reflects features of the Northern Renaissance, art during the period was aimed at projecting an individual’s interpretation of their setting. Facilitated by Martin Luther, inquiries formed a critical part of the artistic process. People sought to individually infer their relationship with God (Calvin, Luther and Calvino 22). The Protestant Reformation Art, an extension of modern practices in the artistic field, was predicated on the relationship that existed between an individual and God. Rather than reflecting, or reciting, the beliefs that had been inferred by the society, Northern Renaissance provided a ground upon which the individual relationship between human beings and deities could be understood (Harbison 48). Notably, the image allows insight on the Durer’s understanding of religion. The humanistic component reinforced in the image provides the audience with an opportunity to reflect on relations that exist between the artist and God. Overall, individualism in the contemporary art sought to provide the artists with an opportunity to explore and embrace their understanding of phenomena. Northern Renaissance gave the individuals a voice in the projection of their perspectives on life.

Conclusion

Conclusively, the examination of The Self-Portrait of Albert Durer reveals various components of modern art. Since the painting was developed between the 14th and 17th century, this analysis will reveal some of the cultural elements in the Northern Renaissance that point back to modernity. Some of the factors that reflect modernity in Northern Renaissance in the painting include individualism, humanism and realism. Mainly, the period and movement sought to allow the artists freedom to reflect their understanding and perspective in their creations. As a shift from previous movements, Northern Renaissance encouraged inquiries into the element of religion. In previous settings, religion was considered to be a fundamental and inclusive feature of the society. Subjective viewing as encouraged in the modern times was a culmination of the Protestant reformation. Such principle was further carried forward into the modern times. Some of the major players who played a crucial in promoting the artistic revolution include Martin Luther, Leonardo Da Vinci and Durer. From their interventions, they lay a platform through which artists could authoritatively capture their perspectives.

Works Cited

Calvin, John, Martin Luther, and Joao Calvino. Luther and Calvin on secular authority. Cambridge University Press, 1991.

Harbison, Craig. The mirror of the artist: Northern renaissance art in its historical context. Upper Saddle River NJ: Prentice Hall, 1995.