Representations of Architecture in Lucas van Leyden’s Prints

Abstract

Categorization of Lucas van Leyden (1494-1533) is a matter of defining modern at the turn of the sixteenth century. His depiction of Late Gothic and Classic architectural forms in his prints shows an interaction between the Italian Renaissance and the Netherlandish traditions. The use of urban setting is to familiarize the viewer with the story. This technique of grabbing the attention of the viewer by situating him within the audience in the image is a traditional characteristic of medieval art. On the other hand, he employs the new method of Renaissance spatial perspective in order to create the three dimensional effect in the print. Ornaments work as metalingual elements giving away subtle information on the subject. A symbol exists by being a reference to a former incidence, which adds to the discussion of whether Lucas van Leyden was a Renaissance or an early modern artist. His concern is with the narrative rather than the idealistic illustration of architecture. His German contemporary Albrecht Dürer also appears to come and go in representing two styles of architecture. Therefore there will be a comparison between Lucas van Leyden, Albrecht Dürer and Italian contemporaries such as Perugino and Raphael. Yet it is still a question to where to position Lucas van Leyden.