The term was coined by the French art historian Louis Courajod, at the end of the 19th century.
In this period artists, and portable works such as illuminated manuscripts traveled widely around the continent, creating a common aesthetic among the royalty and higher nobility and considerably reducing the variation in national styles among works produced for the courtly elites. The main influences were northern France, the Duchy of Burgundy and Italy. Royal marriages such as that between Richard II of England and Elizabeth of Bohemia also helped to spread the style.
Stylistic features are a dignified elegance, rich decorative colouring and flowing lines. It also makes a more rational use of perspective, modeling, and setting. Decoration became increasingly ornate as the style developed in Northern Europe, whereas in Italy the increased sophistication of figure painting was absorbed into Early Renaissance painting.
.jpg)
.jpg)
