The Northern Renaissance refers to the spread of Renaissance ideas from Italy to the regions of Northern Europe, including Flanders, Germany, and England.

It began later than the Italian Renaissance, in the late 15th century.

While Italian art focused on classical themes and idealized forms, Northern art was often characterized by its meticulous realism and attention to detail.

The development of oil painting by Flemish artists like Jan van Eyck allowed for greater detail, texture, and luminosity.

Northern Renaissance art often depicted scenes of everyday life and portraits of wealthy merchants, as well as religious subjects.

Christian Humanism was the dominant intellectual movement of the Northern Renaissance.

Scholars like Erasmus of Rotterdam and Sir Thomas More used humanist methods to study early Christian texts and advocate for reform within the Catholic Church.

The German artist Albrecht Dürer was a key figure who traveled to Italy and helped to spread Renaissance ideas in the North.

The invention of the printing press in Germany was crucial in disseminating both humanist and religious reformist ideas.

The critical spirit of the Northern Renaissance helped to pave the way for the Protestant Reformation.