Why Were Portraits Important In The Renaissance

Why was it important? During the early Renaissance, the use of portraits wasn’t used to depict people of their own right but to show peoples devotion to Christ. As portraiture evolved through time and new styles were discovered the idea of portraits became more personal. Portraits gave a more humanistic approach to Christianity, with paintings depicting patrons and saints worshipping and being Christ like it could give this idea of being religious and faithful to God a more personal approach. The use of portraits was very important in the Renaissance because it gave the patron the ability to be a part of the work. When the Ghent Altarpiece by Van Eyck is closed, it depicts two figures kneeling at the bottom left and right with their hands …show more content…
As time passed many new forms of portraiture were developing. Painters began to depict the subjects in the photos with more distinctive features and were able to give a sense of identity to these people. The portraits were able to give the subject being painted a unique identity and expression to give the viewer a sense that this is how they were. Developments of the portrait in the renaissance also brought the three quarter face, this allowed a more personal engagement between the subject and viewer. The use of the three quarter face was a giant leap from the profile view because it really ties the subject and the view together to create a sense of connection. With the use of the three quarter view these painters were able to express different emotions.

King Edward VI was the only son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour his third wife. Edward assumed the throne at the age of 9 after the death of his father Henry VIII. The artist linked with this work is named Master John but nothing else is know from him. The portrait of the young king was painted after his accession in