Rogier van der Weyden - St Columba Altarpiece (left panel) - WGA25657

Rogier van der Weyden (1399/1400–1464) was a Flemish painter of the Northern Renaissance. He was born in Tournai, Belgium, and is considered one of the most important artists of his time. Van der Weyden's style was characterised by his attention to detail, vibrant colours and emotional intensity. He was renowned for his ability to capture the human form and convey deep emotion in his paintings. His works often depicted religious themes, including scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. One of his most famous works is 'The Descent from the Cross', which is now in the Prado Museum in Madrid. This painting is a powerful depiction of the grief and sorrow surrounding the crucifixion of Christ. Van der Weyden's ability to capture the expressions and emotions of the figures in this painting is particularly remarkable. Van der Weyden was also much in demand as a portraitist. His portraits were renowned for their psychological depth and realism, capturing the individuality and character of his subjects. His influence on the art world extended beyond his lifetime, as many later artists were inspired by his techniques and style. Van der Weyden's work is still highly regarded today for its technical mastery and emotional impact.