What is meant by that astonished eye of yours, Hieronymus Bosch, or that pallor in your face? As if you had seen ghosts, the spectres of Erebus, flittering in front of you. I could believe that the caves of greedy Pluto and the houses of Tartarus lay open to you, seeing as your hand could paint so well whatever the lowest hollows of Avernus contain. Continue Reading 15. Hieronymus Bosch
“Hubert, if the praises which our Thalia recently attributed to you along with your deserving brother are not enough, let this [praise] of yours be added, that your brother, as your student, outdid you in ability. That work of yours in Ghent teaches this, which filled Philip with such love of it,4 that he ordered a copy of it to be made by the hand of Coxennius, to be sent to his native Spaniards.” Continue Reading 9. Hubert Van Eyck
“I am he who first taught to mix joyful colours from the pressed oily seed of flax, with my brother Hubert. Bruges, flourishing with wealth, was astounded by this new discovery, perhaps unknown in the past to Apelles himself. Soon afterwards our uprightness did not refuse to be spread widely through the whole world.” Continue Reading 11. Jan Van Eyck
The Frisian was a good painter, who also made statues from Parian marble: you would believe [them] to be the work of Myron. Let the famous engraver Muller also be a witness for you, he who admired and then frequented this artist. Continue Reading 137. Adriaen De Vries
No one was better at adding colours to a painting. You know which is the right colour for images. You are a learned painter. It is much to know colours. You also paint the learned delights of Italy. Continue Reading 139. Frans Badens
It pleased you to visit Rome from your earliest years. Rome is the school of painters and artists. You were busy painting while examining every single thing in the churches. Among painters your name will be noble. Continue Reading 141. Adam Elsheimer
You who paint images of lively, joyful faces, Oliver – these captivate (our) eyes wonderfully. The bodies which you make – these are expressed in the right colours. Continue Reading 143. Isaac Oliver
