Merode Altarpiece
Robert Campin
Ther Merode Altarpiece is one of the greatest masterpieces of the Northern Renaissance Art. It was a piece painted during the Protestant Reformation, which was a religious movement that occured in Western Europe during the 16th Century, it resulted ina divide in Christianity between Roman Catholics and Protestants. The movement’s main focus was on the individual’s personal relationship with God, which is exactly what the Merode Altarpiece is about.
The Merode Altarpiece is a hinged three part panel. In the case it is four feed across and 2 feet high. The painting is a tempura and oil on panel. The left panel is a picture of the donors. The central panel shows an annunciation to Mary by the archangel Gabriel. He is coming to give her the message that she is going to give birth to Jesus. In the right panel is a picture of Saint Joseph at work as a carpenter. It is said that he is making mouse traps to ‘trap evil.’
Robert Campin painted the Merode Altarpiece around 1425-1428, during the Northern Renaissance. He painted the painted while in the Netherlands. Today this work is located at the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work was owned by the artistocratic Belgian Arenberg and Merode families before reaching the art market.
What I find appealing in the work is the story behind it. Since it is a three panel painting it tells three different stories but is included in one piece. I like the center panel the most of the archangel Gabriel coming to tell Mary that she is going to have the baby Jesus. If you also look in the back right you see God coming through the window with a cross on his back, like he is bringing the package himself. Then in the right panel you have Joseph making mouse traps to trap evil. I just really enjoy the story behind the painting.
maurinesblog 
I certainly agree, the story behind this piece of art is fascinating! You did an excellent job of showing the works relationship to the protestant reformation. I also appreciated that you included the art works current location in your blog, an idea I do intend to borrow!
Hello, wow such wonderful information about these artists I really enjoyed reading and listening to your blog. I too am a fan of Beethoven and I didn’t know that his deafness was progressive..so thanks I learned something new today.