Portraits are such interesting concepts. Even today, if you were to think about it, when was the last portrait of you taken. I’m not talking about the pictures from the last dinner party you went to, but the last real time you sat down and had a portraiture done. I’ve never been painted, that’s for sure… well the last portrait I was in was last Christmas my family of origin got together for one at a portrait studio. It was a bit like a scene from the ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Dirk van Liebergen, a Dutch photographer, in the spirit of 14th century portraiture, captured modern people in their modern environment. Looking at the pictures you can tell that even the portrait and the landscape photographs are taken separately. A technique practiced by painters of the Renaissance era, such as Hans Melming, who inspired van Liebegen’s work.
I really find these portraits interesting, mostly because they all appear to be working people, with stories behind expressionless faces. The hand placement denotes a language lost to the modern eye making them evermore mysterious.
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I’ve read quite a number of articles on van Liebergen’s work and find it fascinating. he has a fantastic understanding of light.
It’s so nice!
I love beautiful portraits!! Take a look at the icelandic series here:
http://www.thomas-humery.com
I love the pictures- it’s interesting to see how the background is so clearly divorced from the subject- makes you look at the subject more.
Hi Jennine,
I think that hands are so important to portraiture as they are the most honest physical expressions of a person.
Cheers
Fiona, LDN.
@jodi… wow, i didn’t know there were so many articles about van liebergen, i’ve never run arcoss his work before, but i can see that his use of light is really important in his work, and what makes it so compelling.
@sigrun! i love, that photographer! thanks so much for sharing…
I remember browsing my boyfriend’s art history books before I moved in and had my own books to flip through before falling asleep. It was fascinating how even what flower, pet or book the person held could symbolize so much. Love these modern variations.
These portraits are amazing. I love seeing normal people in front of such beautiful landscapes. I’ll definitely look for more of van Liebergen’s work.