I was sick during this class period but looking at the class notes it appears we started class by discussing Baroque art in the Netherlands. The first artist covered was Peter Paul Rubens who was a Flemish artist and Catholic convert after moving back to Antwerp. He traveled throughout Rome inspired by popular artists Titian and Caravaggio. He was very successful during his time and ran a good workshop that produced a lot of talent. One of his pieces the Elevation of the Cross, 1610-1611 was the first major public commission, a triptych in a classic Flemish sense but on a bigger scale. This was also one scene split across three panels. Bulky figures are straining their muscles to hoist the cross in an instantaneous action. The left side depicts the friends of Christ in mourning, while the right shows the adversaries of Christ. The cross makes a strong diagonal line in the composition, allowing for a strong contrast between the light and dark scene. The next piece discussed was Marie de Mecici, Queen of France, Landing in Marseilles. This was a commission from Marie de Medici, a cycle celebrating her life and the life of her late husband. It is greeted by a personification of France with open arms. Neptune and Nerieds shepherd the ship into the dock as if the seas demsleves were deliberately carrying the Queen safely to her landing. We also see Marie de Medici towering over all the figures on the dock, emphasizing her authority and majesty. Rubens had a whole bunch of students many of whom became famous in their own right. This includes Anthony van Dyck who we have spent some time discussing.

The class concluded on Frans Hals and Rembrandt van Rijn. Frans spent his career in Haarlem/Amsterdam, specialized in portraits, and worked mainly for the wealthy middle class. Hals was famous for his group portraits, including the Banquet of the St. George Civic Guard Officers. Every person is visible around the table allowing it to appear lively as if it is a snapshot. Rembrandt came from the city of Leiden and was educated and apprenticed as a painter. He painted many self-portraits in his lifetime. One of his works, The Night Watch, depicts a militia about to march in a parade, and the captain and lieutenant at the center of the composition and fully lit. There is a strong contrast between light and shadow.