This module addresses the art of the early Northern Renaissance in the 15th century, highlighting the flourishing economy in Flanders and the Burgundian Netherlands. Tremendous wealth was brought to the merchant class by way of wool trading and banking. Capitalism surged within Flanders positioning the region to become one of the wealthiest group of private citizens in Europe. In fact, by the late 18th century the Bank of Amsterdam and the Dutch Republic were one of the major contributors to the support of the American Revolution.

Visit London's National Gallery collection of Jan Van Eyck paintings. Explore the museum's detailed discussion of the famous Arnolfini portrait as well as The Man in the Red Turban.

Saint Bevo Cathedral, located in Ghent, Belgium, is home to Jan Van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece. The altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is currently undergoing a complete restoration. Viewers are apparently shocked at the humanoid appearance of the restored lamb. What do you think? Please see image below. Touted as one of the most stolen works in history, read about the extensive provenance of the Ghent Altarpiece. Visit the cathedral's website to further peruse the home of the altarpiece and the other Flemish works still on display. View the restoration of the altarpiece via this website.

Visit the museum link to further explore the Flemish paintings at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC. Their collection highlights the vast array of innovations of the Renaissance particularly the use of oil paintings first established in the Northern Renaissance.