Northern Europe
1450 – 1650
About the
Collection
Saints, dragons, demons and kings – this collection features artworks produced in Northern Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries.
From small, intimate paintings that would have been displayed in private homes and chapels to large, dramatic altarpieces and emotive sculptures, these works highlight the importance of storytelling in art during his period. And new for 2024, see a rare masterpiece reunited as The Lamentation Altarpiece can be seen in its full glory for the first time in 30 years.
The display and research into this collection has been undertaken in association with the National Gallery and the National Gallery Curatorial Traineeship Programme, supported by Art Fund with the assistance of the Vivmar Foundation.
Religion was one of the most important features of life at this time and religious commissions accounted for much of the artistic output. The purpose of religious art was as an aid to worship, connecting the viewer with the story of Jesus’s life and suffering.
By the 16th century, mythological scenes and portraits became increasingly popular subjects, represented in our collection by works by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553), Ambrosius Benson (c.1495-1550), Hans Besser (active 1537-58) and Barthel Bruyn (1493-1555).
Discover more
Download our gallery guide to find out more the Northern Europe collection
and the artworks on display in our galleries
Portrait of Sigmund Kingsfelt
Saint Apollonia, Saint Dorothea of Cappadocia, and a Female Saint
Saint Mary Magdalen, Saint Anne with the Infant Mary and the Christ Child, and Saint Barbara
Noli me tangere or Christ in the Garden with Mary Magdalene
Saint Christopher carrying the Infant Christ Child
Christ Taking Leave of His Mother
Portrait of Ludwig, Count Palatine, aged Ten
The Holy Kinship : attributed to the circle of the Master I.P.
The Virgin and Child Crowned by Angels
The Resurrection: Nottingham Alabaster Relief
Death Portrait: North Netherlandish School
