Chapter 8 Questions

Why did Northern European artists start using Renaissance ideas in their paintings? Find and type a sentence in the text that gives a clue. (Hint: Think about how ideas spread from one place to another.)

Answer explanation

The Renaissance was a period of great art and learning. It spread slowly to the north because of distance and slow communication.

The text talks about Jan van Eyck’s painting style. How was his artwork different from earlier paintings? (Find a sentence that describes his technique.)

Answer explanation

Van Eyck’s paintings had fine details and realistic textures, making them look more like real life.

Look at the paragraph about oil painting. What made oil paints better than older types of paint? (Hint: What does the text say about the way oil paints dry?)

Answer explanation

Oil paints dried more slowly, allowing artists to blend colors and add more detail.

The text calls van Eyck the “King of the Painters.” Find a sentence in the text that supports this idea.

Answer explanation

The text says that van Eyck was known for his skill in painting details and light.

The chapter describes how Northern Renaissance artists painted people. What details did they focus on to make paintings look more realistic? (Hint: Look for a sentence that mentions clothing or small objects.)

Answer explanation

Northern Renaissance artists painted realistic clothing, tiny decorations, and everyday objects.

The text mentions that some Northern artists traveled to Italy. What does this tell us about how ideas spread during the Renaissance? (Find a sentence that explains why they went.)

Answer explanation

They went to Italy to learn new techniques and bring those ideas back home.

Find a part in the text that explains why wealthy merchants and bankers supported artists. Why do you think they wanted to pay for art? (Hint: Look for words about power or status.)

Answer explanation

Wealthy merchants wanted to support art because it showed their importance and power

The reading talks about printing and books. How did the invention of the printing press help spread Renaissance ideas to the north? (Find the sentence that explains what printing made easier.)

Answer explanation

The printing press made books cheaper and easier to make, so more people could learn Renaissance ideas.

Look for a description of Albrecht Dürer. How did his woodcuts and engravings help share Renaissance ideas with more people?

Answer explanation

Dürer’s prints could be copied and shared widely, spreading Renaissance styles.

The text explains how Northern Renaissance artists painted different subjects than Italian artists. What did Northern artists focus on? (Find a sentence that explains their favorite topics.)

Answer explanation

Northern artists often painted scenes from daily life, nature, and portraits of regular people.