Styles & Periods

Styles & Periods

International Gothic

The art of Italy and its northern contemporaries came together in 1400, and the combined artistic traditions became a dominant style of Gothic Art called the Beautiful, or International Style. Though sculpture certainly saw the effects of the movement, painting dominated. Much of the grandeur that was present in earlier works was replaced by a subdued, elegant aesthetic. This refined style portrays stunning costumes, borrowed from the shared influence of the Byzantines. A growing interest in realism is evident in many works of the International Gothic period, and some details are painted in such a realistic manner as to suggest that they were observed from life. The concentration of detail on large panels was unprecedented and made the work seem like enlarged miniatures at times. Finally, the International Style is characterized by an assigning of symbolism to objects represented within the canvases. Lilies stood for Mary’s virginity, and architectural cues spoke to Old and New Testaments. The Adoration of the Magi, completed by Gentile da Fabriano in 1423, is considered to be the pinnacle of International Gothic achievement, and is seen by some as the style's last definitive breath before it was absorbed by the oncoming Early Renaissance.


Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

Up to 44% Off

Top Rated

From $0.98

Verithin Colored Pencils (Each)

by Prismacolor

The super-skinny precision prismacolor.

Up to 40% Off

Woodless Graphite Drawing Pencil Sets

by Pacific Arc

Convenient woodless pencil sets

Up to 56% Off

From $6.49

Essentials Sketching Artist Set

by Royal & Langnickel

Everything you need to start sketching

From $8.69

Americana Decor Outdoor Living Paint

by DecoArt

Transform your outdoor living spaces
Latest Product Reviews
very good service and fast delivery
- dale in mass
High quality film with fast shipping. Thank you
- Dave in Charlotte
I previously stored the ink pads in one of my drawers upside down, but really needed the room so I had to find another solution. I've seen this many times before but never gave it much thought. I ordered five of them as my Distress inks collection is not huge (yet ;) and I was really, really happy to be able to see what I have AND have them neatly stored. As much as I love them, they are a bit bulky and will take up a bit of real estate. They stack very nicely, one on top of the other. I think this is smart storage.
- JenG in Michigan
Free Download for Kids

Download free coloring book pages Download FREE coloring
book pages to color at
home or school.

View Pages »