Hugo van der Goes

Hugo van der Goes was a Belgian painter active during the Northern Renaissance, born around 1440 and passing away in 1482. He is renowned for his emotionally charged religious works, particularly altarpieces, which showcase his mastery of color and light. One of his most significant contributions is the "Portinari Altarpiece," created for the Florentine merchant Tommaso Portinari, which exemplifies the merging of Flemish and Italian artistic traditions. Van der Goes' innovative approach influenced subsequent generations of artists, particularly in the use of realism and expressive figures. His later life was marked by a period of mental illness, leading to his retreat from public life before his death. Details regarding his early life and training remain largely unknown.