The Renaissance first arose in Italy, however later it migrated north to England, France, and especially the Netherlands. Unlike in Italy the Dutch had a different take on the humanism ideals of Renaissance culture. They believed that humans of all class, wealthy or poor, are born in an indelible mark of dignity. They believed vanity was wrong and even the most simple people leading the most simple lives were beautiful and deserving of timeless depiction. Thus, the masters of the norther Renaissance did not necessarily paint religious scene, instead the painted poor farmers of simple household maids.A Dutch artist who I truly admire is Johannes Vermeer, who painted a mere 35 master pieces in his life time, all of which depicted maids who likely worked in his household. In these paintings and others like them the scenery often includes still lives such as flowers, a table with a map, and food. To honor this great artist this fall I have included some Renaissance inspired flowers to basic pieces in order to achieve pattern and sophistication.
