Commission

Definition

A commission is a formal request or order for the creation of a work of art, typically involving an artist being paid to produce a specific piece for a client. This practice became increasingly popular during the Northern Renaissance, where wealthy patrons sought to showcase their status and taste through commissioned artworks. Commissions not only supported artists financially but also influenced the direction and themes of their work, as they often catered to the desires and interests of their clients.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rise of commissions during the Northern Renaissance was closely linked to the growing wealth of merchant classes and nobility who wanted to display their status.
2. Commissioned works often included religious themes, portraits, and allegorical representations that catered to the specific interests of the patrons.
3. Artists like Jan van Eyck and Hans Holbein became renowned for their commissioned pieces, which helped elevate their status and ensure their legacy.
4. The practice of commissioning art led to the establishment of formal contracts between artists and patrons, outlining payment terms and delivery timelines.
5. Commissions influenced artistic innovation, as artists experimented with new techniques and styles to meet the demands of their patrons.

Review Questions

• How did the practice of commissioning art impact the relationship between artists and patrons during the Northern Renaissance?
  • The practice of commissioning art fostered a dynamic relationship between artists and patrons, as artists were directly engaged in creating works tailored to the specific desires of wealthy clients. This led to a mutual dependence where patrons provided financial support and visibility for artists, while artists fulfilled the aesthetic needs and aspirations of their patrons. As a result, commissions became crucial in shaping artistic trends and styles during this period.
• In what ways did commissions reflect social status and cultural values among patrons in Northern Renaissance society?
  • Commissions served as a powerful tool for patrons to assert their social status and cultural values within Northern Renaissance society. Wealthy individuals sought commissioned artworks that not only showcased their affluence but also conveyed personal ideals, such as piety, knowledge, or humanist philosophy. The subjects chosen for these artworks often reflected contemporary social issues or moral themes that were significant at the time, thereby solidifying the patron's identity within the community.
• Evaluate how the emergence of Kunstkammer collections changed the nature of art commissions during the Northern Renaissance.
  • The emergence of Kunstkammer collections significantly transformed art commissions by encouraging a broader range of artistic expression beyond traditional religious or portraiture themes. Patrons began commissioning unique and eclectic pieces that showcased not just paintings but also sculptures, curiosities, and artifacts from various cultures. This shift allowed artists greater creative freedom, as they were tasked with creating works that appealed to the intellectual curiosity and aesthetic desires of collectors, thus expanding the scope and diversity of commissioned art in this era.

Related terms

Patronage: The support and financial backing provided by individuals or institutions to artists, allowing them to create works of art.

Kunstkammer: A cabinet of curiosities or a collection of artworks and natural wonders that reflected the interests of collectors during the Northern Renaissance.

Allegory: A symbolic representation in art that conveys deeper meanings, often used in commissioned works to reflect the patron's values or messages.