The Northern Renaissance: Dürer to Holbein

Lovely exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery looking at art in Northern Europe during the Renaissance so although it mainly showcased work made by northern artists it also included some Italian work made for Northern patrons.

I liked the way the exhibition was arranged geographically with a German room, a room for England and France and last but not least room on the Netherlands. Also how paintings were shown alongside other objects including armour and tapestry’s to show art in all its forms.

The English room featured the stunning collection of Holbein’s and it was particularly nice to see drawings shown alongside the finished paintings.

It was also fascinating to see when works came into the Royal Collection and I particularly like the label on one tapestry which described it as having been ‘appropriated’ from Woolsey by Henry VIII.

It is important to remember this is a selection of works from a collection on a theme and not a comprehensive art historic look at a period. I also have to say what great condition the pictures were in. They images positively leapt of the canvas they were so clean and fresh.

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