This is fascinating. I didn't know Fouquet stayed in Italy. Drawing some visual parallels between this painting and the work of Fra Angelico and Piero della Francesca is an excellent idea. The influences of the Italian and Northern artists become apparent, it's absolutely stunning. Thank you very much for the great videos. 🥰
The Virgin and Child before a Firescreen is surely related to the Merode Altarpiece in the Cloisters, NYC, attributed to Campin with an assistant. I have frequently visited the Merode and it came to mind immediately when your video showed the National Gallery triptych. The shallow space, drapery style, cityscape through the window, and such details as the two lions on the corners of the bench and the treatment of the wood and hobnail shutters, are all shared by both works.
Again, a very good video, as always. I am wondering if there is a certain meaning to the placements of the breasts so high and far apart. Was this fashion of tthat time like the high hairline? Thank you very much ❤
Yes, during the late middle ages, a high forehead was considered beautiful and a sign of intelligence, refinement and status so women, particularly upper class but maybe others, plucked the hairline back. The Virgin (in Nursing Madonna style) is most likely Charles VII's chief mistress Agnes Sorel, who died 2 yrs before this done and this is thought to be an idealized, not realistic, portrait of her. Known during her life as the most beautiful woman in the world, modeling the Virgin after her was seen as an obvious choice by many, however, some thought her an inappropriate choice given the 4 illegitimate children she had with the king and the scandal she caused by wearing very low cut gowns in court, which then became fashionable.
I'm siding with the historians who believe Sorel was the model for this Madonna. Go figure she was a mistress. I'm glad this was addressed later in the video. I definitely didn't see the Song of Songs reference here, though... Virgo Lactans is a new phrase for me. I have seen one other piece where Mary was attempting to nurse Jesus, but didn't realize his aloofness was a recurring theme. This is a very unique version of the Madonna painting. I wonder what more modern approaches have borrowed and left behind from their predecessors.
Really enjoying all the Flemish stuff you've been posting lately.
Wow, that's a reason to visit Antwerp again!
saw this in person two years ago!! makes me want to move to antwerp so i can go visit it every day
I am currently translating a book where this painting is also described. Great video, thank you!
👌I'm intrigued, if it's not indiscreet, could you please share the reference of the book? Thank you
Of course, the name is Art, Annotated, penguin Random House, London 2024.
I am currently translating it into German.
This is fascinating. I didn't know Fouquet stayed in Italy. Drawing some visual parallels between this painting and the work of Fra Angelico and Piero della Francesca is an excellent idea. The influences of the Italian and Northern artists become apparent, it's absolutely stunning. Thank you very much for the great videos. 🥰
Meraviglioso! Grazie mille
I remember seeing this piece on display at the Getty for a while. Very cool painting!
I m so happy you are BACK! Great work as usual, of course. congratulations!
PS: Piero della Francesca: I can see that clearly, now that you have mentioned.
Thanks for the great video!
Thank you very much ~
The Virgin and Child before a Firescreen is surely related to the Merode Altarpiece in the Cloisters, NYC, attributed to Campin with an assistant. I have frequently visited the Merode and it came to mind immediately when your video showed the National Gallery triptych. The shallow space, drapery style, cityscape through the window, and such details as the two lions on the corners of the bench and the treatment of the wood and hobnail shutters, are all shared by both works.
I was always hoping you guys would cover this diptych!!!
"This is one of my favourite paintings in the world" - the late, great Alexander McQueen. British fashion designer and couturier.
Excellent
Again, a very good video, as always. I am wondering if there is a certain meaning to the placements of the breasts so high and far apart. Was this fashion of tthat time like the high hairline?
Thank you very much ❤
Yes, during the late middle ages, a high forehead was considered beautiful and a sign of intelligence, refinement and status so women, particularly upper class but maybe others, plucked the hairline back.
The Virgin (in Nursing Madonna style) is most likely Charles VII's chief mistress Agnes Sorel, who died 2 yrs before this done and this is thought to be an idealized, not realistic, portrait of her. Known during her life as the most beautiful woman in the world, modeling the Virgin after her was seen as an obvious choice by many, however, some thought her an inappropriate choice given the 4 illegitimate children she had with the king and the scandal she caused by wearing very low cut gowns in court, which then became fashionable.
❤
I'm siding with the historians who believe Sorel was the model for this Madonna. Go figure she was a mistress. I'm glad this was addressed later in the video.
I definitely didn't see the Song of Songs reference here, though...
Virgo Lactans is a new phrase for me. I have seen one other piece where Mary was attempting to nurse Jesus, but didn't realize his aloofness was a recurring theme.
This is a very unique version of the Madonna painting. I wonder what more modern approaches have borrowed and left behind from their predecessors.
From a king's mistress to the Queen of Heaven - that's what I call a career!