MMA Art Task
By Samantha Johannes
Period A
Annunciation by Robert Campin
Campin’s Life
Robert Campin was born around 1375 to 1380 and died on April 26th, 1444. His birthplace was in Tournai,
Florence, where he remained for a few years before earning his citizenship in 1410. Many refer to the artist as the
“Master of Flémalle” for his choice of identity and style.
In the year 1406, Campin earned his title as a “master painter” in his birth town of Tournai. He also is
considered by many to be the first grand “master painter” of Flemish paintings. In his early life, the artist made a
living through statues and painting banners. Through the commissions he was given by the churches, the
government of Tournai and other rich merchants, nobles or others, he became well known and an important
figure.
Campin, during 1427, mentored and hired two young and aspiring artists in his studio. Their names were
Rogelet de la Pasture (also known as Rogier van der Weyden) and Jacques Daret. He was a great influence on the
two, both painting and creating works similar to his own style. However, some are speculating that Campin’s
pieces could have been the work of those assistants and not his own.
Also, it is noted that Campin eventually lost his valued importance and his studio workshop through his
involvement in political riots within the city or other scandals. During the year 1432, he was charged and convicted
of adultery and sentenced to banishment. However, through connective ties, this punishment was reduced to just
a fine. He eventually died in his birth town of Tournai.
*NOTE: No available picture for artist Robert Campin*
Annunciation
This piece of artwork is dated to be painted circa 1427-1432 during the Renaissance Era. This was the
time during history where art was experiencing a new transformation culturally and visually. Many of the
paintings and artwork during this time were reflective of the humanism thoughts of the period or the religious
beliefs many had.
Annunciation is an oil painting featured on oak wood, a form of panel painting that originated during
the beginning of the 15th century. Many other artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and others used this new
technique, the paneling also helping with the support of the artwork itself. The artwork piece by Campin is
composed of a large panel and two wings on its sides, also known as a triptych. This was a very traditional
form of painting for Christian and religious art from the Middle Ages onward. Much of the evidence collected
about this piece suggests that it was complete within stages, thus making it more understandable why it took
Campin some time to finish. Also, the two side panels may have commissioned to be made at a later time by a
sponsor, patron or donor. They are incorporated and painted into the left panel.
It also is known by the name Merode Altarpiece, especially during the Renaissance period.
Annunciation is the title of the center panel, where Gabriel is informing Mary of being close to becoming
pregnant with Jesus.
Within the painting, Virgin Mary, the angel Gabriel, Joseph and other religious figures of importance or
symbols can be spotted and identified. His religious story is clearly seen and told, becoming an important and
celebrated piece of artwork.
Historical Significance/Importance
Robert Campin’s oil painting Annunciation has become a very celebrated Netherlandish
painting. It also thought of to be one of the greatest masterpieces of artwork of the Northern
Italian Renaissance. The style of painting during the Renaissance time period is clearly
indicated through this elaborate artwork. Campin paid careful attention to the detail within his
work, making a piece that could be connected as a whole. Through his use of material objects,
Campin also displayed spiritual ideas and thoughts as symbols in his work. He wanted to help
make the religious aspects more accessible to humans at the time.
Also, Robert Campin’s painting style reflects the more natural view of the world,
compared to the more realistic view the people involved in the Italian Renaissance had. He
created works with basic forms of humans and deeper, almost poetic meanings and symbols of
all the different things in life. His artwork showcases his detailed and close observations of the
world, displaying it as he sees and interprets it through his own eyes. In his Annunciation piece,
the type of art known as realism was also displayed, revolving around his precise details found
within Mary’s home. The impact it had in Flemish Art through its representation of religion and
the connected stories was also large.
Works Cited
"Campin's Merode Altarpiece." Campin. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2014. <http://smarthistory.khanacademy.
org/Campin.html>.
"Robert Campin." Biography. Art And The Bible, n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2014.<http://www.artbible.
info/art/biography/robert-campin>.
The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "Robert Campin (Flemish Painter)."Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
Encyclopedia
Britannica, n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2014. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/91338/RobertCampin>.
"Workshop of Robert Campin | Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) | South Netherlandish | The
Metropolitan Museum of
Art." Workshop of Robert Campin | Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) | South Netherlandish |
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2014. <http:
//www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/470304>.
(for artwork picture and information)