By the mid-15th century, Italy and Flanders had emerged as the two major centers of European art, characterized by their dense populations and flourishing economies. Despite the apparent political differences—Florence being a republic in name, while the leading cities of Flanders, Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres, fell under the Duchy of Burgundy—the economic and cultural connections between these regions were significant. Both regions experienced considerable prosperity, even as they faced the broader economic downturn that affected Europe during this period.
In terms of artistic expression, Florence and Flanders developed distinct styles. Florentines formulated theories and systematic rules to depict three-dimensional space, whereas the Flemish discovered linear perspective through repeated experimentation. They continued with an empirical approach to experiment with atmospheric perspective, using subtle gradations of color to suggest distance in landscapes. This fundamental and important distinction highlights the Flemish artists' reliance on empirical methods rather than theoretical frameworks. Despite their lack of interest in ancient art, the break with their predecessors was equally pronounced.
Flanders had little tradition of large-scale painting, but it was renowned for its magnificent stained glass windows, rich in vivid colors. One of the greatest contributions of Flemish painters to Western art was the development of panel painting and the advancement of oil painting techniques. Influenced by illuminated manuscripts, Flemish artists sought to achieve the same bright and glossy effects in their panel paintings that the Limbourg brothers had achieved in their miniatures. This quest led to the rise of oil painting.
Although various oils had been occasionally used as binders for powdered pigments since the 10th century, it wasn't until the early 15th century that Flemish artists began to fully exploit the potential of combining pigments with oils, usually linseed oil. They applied translucent layers of paint over opaque colors, creating a sense of depth beneath the hard, enamel-like surface. Unlike egg tempera, which dries quickly and requires artists to work swiftly in small sections, oil paint allows for a more gradual and detailed approach. This new process enabled and encouraged precision in depicting fine details, which became one of the most notable characteristics of 15th-century Flemish painting.
The introduction of oil painting offered artists greater creative freedom and expressive potential. They could build up layers and make modifications, resulting in more realistic and intricate works. This technical innovation not only transformed the style of Flemish painting but also had a profound impact on the development of European art as a whole.
Overall, 15th-century Flemish art carved a unique path through innovation and experimentation. Despite the lack of systematic theoretical guidance, their practical spirit and exploration of new techniques earned them a prominent place in the history of European art. By developing oil painting techniques, Flemish artists infused Western art with new vitality and direction, influencing the styles and methods of subsequent generations of artists. The art of this period in Flanders was not merely a continuation of past traditions but a pioneering force that shaped the future of art.
