Mass of St Gregory
by ISENBRANT, Adriaen, Oil on canvas, 72 x 56 cm
The early sixteenth century saw the establishment in Antwerp and Brussels of a new, modish style of Mannerism that broke radically from the serenity that had characterized the previous century. In Bruges, by contrast, a traditional undercurrent survived. The ‘Bruges style’ was greatly influenced by Gerard David and dominated by two of his pupils, Adriaen Isenbrant and Ambrosius Benson, both of whom remained active until about 1550.
Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 12 minutes):
Gregorian chants