How does commerce influence the system of patronage in the North? Discuss the centers of activity of these works and their new emphasis

What will be an ideal response?

Unlike in the south of Europe where patronage was dominated by the papacy and political powerful families like the Medici, in the north of Europe both the nobility and a wealthy class of merchants were the main sources of patronage. In Bruges, in fact, oil paintings were a major commodity. Bruges, eventually became less accessible because of silting in a canal. Thus, Antwerp supplanted Bruges as a source of artwork. Thousands of pieces of art were sold there at the fair. Other important artistic centers were Cologne, Arras, Tournai and Arras.

Flemish paintings were also used primarily for private devotion and less for public prestige. Artists like Robert Campin, Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hieronymus Bosch increasing supplied paintings to suit these demands. The medium of oil painting allowed for sophisticated layering of paint to create stunning visual effects. Northern European painting is characterized by attention to detail and an arresting use of light.