1. portrait painting
Characteristics: Flemish Renaissance portraiture was characterised by attention to detail and realistic depiction. It emphasised the individual features of the women depicted and reflected their social status.
Famous works: Outstanding examples include portraits of aristocrats and burghers, which often contained subtle symbolism indicating the character or virtues of the person depicted.
2. genre painting
Characteristics: Genre painting depicted everyday scenes of life, often with a focus on domestic and family scenes. Women were often shown in these scenes in their role as mothers, wives or housewives.
Significance: These works shed light on the living conditions and social status of women at the time.
3. religious and mythological motifs
Characteristics: Female figures in religious and mythological scenes were often idealised and symbolic. They represented sacred or mythological figures, often with a strong moral or doctrinal message.
Influence: These depictions influenced the perception and interpretation of biblical and mythological female figures in art.
4. landscape and still life painting
Development: Although women were less frequently depicted in these genres, they nevertheless show the development of Flemish painting towards a greater emphasis on nature and the environment.
Significance: These works reflect a shift in art towards greater attention to detail and closeness to nature, which is a significant contribution to the history of art.
Flemish Renaissance painting was a time of great artistic development and diversity. Women played an important role as motifs in art and at the same time reflected social conditions. The different styles and genres, from portraits to genre paintings, offer a deep insight into the period and its cultural values.