The Information on: Rogier van der Weyden
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For its latest exhibition, the National Gallery has supplemented its collection of work by the Dutch master Rogier van de Weyden with paintings from LA's Getty Museum and the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon. The highlight is The Magdalen Reading (below). In some cases, photo reproductions replace missing works in an attempt to widen the display, which also includes Pieta (right).
Who Was He?
Rather controversially, the National Gallery hails van de Weyden (1399- c1464) as the "most influential artist of the 15th century", which reflects his impact on Italian painting. While this supports the views of his contemporary critics and Florentine humanists, who revered him as a "glory among painters", such eulogising has not been the unanimous response today.
What They Say About It
"He was an incomparable draughtsman and a daring, yet subtle, painter" Richard Ingleby, The Information. "A shoddy little enterprise... it must not be taken seriously" Brian Sewell, Evening Standard. "Amazing quality of photo reproduction" Tom Lubbock, The Independent. "A little piece of genius" Charles Darwent, The Independent on Sunday. "An extraordinarily graceful and poetic figure... expressive of rapt contemplation, composure and peace" Martin Gayford, The Daily Telegraph.
Where You Can See It
National Gallery, London WC2 (0171-747 2885) to 4 Jul
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