Rogier van der Weyden – Biography and Artwork

Rogier van der Weyden (1399 – 1464) was a Flemish artist and one of the most influential painters of the 15th century. He is remembered as one of the foremost Northern European exponents of altarpieces, portraits, panels, and prints. Trained by Robert Campin, Rogier van der Weyden has greatly contributed to the development of early Dutch painting and was one of the first artists to move away from manuscript illumination into panel painting.

He was born in 1399 in Belgium and learned to paint while attending school. After four years of apprenticeship, Rogier was received into the painters’ guild as a master. Soon after, he began painting around 1432 and had an impressive painting career that spanned over three decades until he passed away in Brussels at the age of 65 in 1464.

Throughout his career he produced numerous iconic works that were full of detail yet displayed a compelling simplicity. These paintings were primarily religious-themed artworks depicting candle-lit scenes in night settings – such as Deposition from the Cross – filled with emotion and dramatic lighting effects exuding a sense of naturalism not seen before at that time. His work was also influenced by Jan van Eyck’s use of oil paints and modern drafting methods as well as having an eye for realism which he explored further in his later portraiture works like Towneley Pucell Madonna (1446).

Rogier van der Weyden’s artistic genius manifested itself in his complex compositions which combined expressive bodies with dynamic lighting effects to create emotionally impactful images. His works were characterized by expressive faces and hands, intense color combinations, and smooth mixtures of line and color. His religious works often depicted stories from the New Testament and his tapestries illustrated scenes from the Old Testament such as Noah’s Ark, The Crossing of the Red Sea, Abraham’s Sacrifice, Exaltation of Full Matrydom, The Betrayal of Judas, Crucifixion scenes, flight into Egypt etc. In addition to this remarkable work on this religious pieces, Van der Weyden also painted soothing portraits—most notably “Portrait of an Elderly Woman”—and exquisitely detailed altarpieces such as “The Descent From The Cross” (1435), among others.

What Is Rogier Van Der Weyden Known For?

Most of Rogier van der Weyden’s surviving works are religious in nature, particularly religious altarpieces. But he also made some secular works (which were unfortunately lost over the centuries) as well as some sensitive portraits. His works were so awe-inspiring that those who saw them described him as a magician rather than an artisan for his skillful use of light to craft beautiful paintings which still remain unparalleled today.

Overall, Rogier van der Weyden is remembered for being a key figure of the Northern Renaissance period and for being one of the most influential painters at that time – both through his own work and through inspiring others such as Jan van Eyck. His unique style is still thought to be timeless today!

Who Was Rogier Van Der Weyden Influenced By?

Rogier Van Der Weyden was heavily influenced Campin (whom he apprenticed under), as well as Jan Eyck.

Who did Rogier Van Der Weyden Influence?

Rogier van der Weyden greatly influenced Flemish painters from the succeeding generations, including: Petrus Christus, Dirck Bouts, Hugo van der Goes and Hans Memling.

Furthermore, Rogier’s influence goes beyond the 15th century Netherlandish painting. Later artists such as Martin Schongauer have also cited him as an influence on their artwork.

What Art Movement Is Rogier Van Der Weyden Associated With?

Rogier van der Weyden is associated with the Flemish Northern Renaissance art movement.

List Of Rogier Van Der Weyden Artwork

Annunciation Triptych (c. 1434)

Portrait of a Lady (c. 1460)

Descent From the Cross (1435)

Adoration of The Lamb (1432)

Deposition Altarpiece (1435)

Towneley Pucell Madonna (1446)

All Rogier van der Weyden Artwork on Artchive