The beginnings of Netherlandish canvas painting, 1400-1530

Abstract

First comprehensive study of Early Netherlandish canvases. Investigates canvases produced before 1400 and explores documentary evidence for Netherlandish canvases dating 1400-1530. Discusses paint technique and examines surviving canvases, all of which are discussed in catalogue entries. In the 15th century, cloth painters were active throughout the Netherlands, but Bruges was their center. Approximately 40 percent of all painters there were canvas specialists. Artists used canvas primarily as an inexpensive substitute for panel and tapestry. Generally painted in unvarnished glue colors on fine, thinly sized linen, canvases were painted in oils as early as 1434. Canvases, now lost, were painted by Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hieronymus Bosch. Seventy canvases survive, including paintings by Dirck Bouts, Hugo van der Goes and Lucas van Leyden. Appendices reproduce documents and treatises. -- AATA