Robert Campin

Robert Campin (1375–1444) was a Belgian painter and a pivotal figure in the Northern Renaissance. He is often regarded as one of the earliest masters of oil painting, known for his detailed and realistic depictions of religious subjects. Campin's most famous work, the Merode Altarpiece, exemplifies his innovative use of space and light. His techniques and style significantly influenced subsequent generations of artists in the Low Countries. Little is known about his early life, but he was active in Tournai, where he became a prominent member of the local artistic community.