Bouts, Dirk

(Theodorik Romboutszoon; c. 1420-1475).

   Netherlandish master, probably born in Haarlem, who settled in Louvain, becoming the city's official painter in 1468. The style Bouts used in his early works combines elements borrowed from Petrus Christus, Rogier van der Weyden, and Jan van Eyck, as demonstrated by his Infancy Altarpiece (c. 1445; Madrid, Prado). The treatment of the architectural details in this work stems from Christus' Nativity (c. 1445; Washington, National Gallery), the short figures with large heads are from van der Weyden, while the palette and textural details depend on van Eyck. Bouts' Deposition Altarpiece (c. 1450-1455; Granada, Capilla Real) was inspired by van der Weyden's Prado Deposition (c. 1438). As in the prototype, Bouts presents a deeply emotional scene, though his is filled with more action. The Last Supper Altarpiece (1464-1467; Louvain, Church of St. Pierre) is Bouts' best-known work. It presents the institution of the Eucharist as a sacrament, a subject demanded in the contract for the work, which has survived. The document also informs readers that two professors of theology from the University of Louvain determined the subject. Surrounding this central scene are panels titled the Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek, Sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb, Gathering of Manna, and Elijah and the Angel, all prefigurations to the central event. Bouts is also well known for his devotional images of the Virgin and Child, as exemplified by the versions in the London National Gallery (c. 1465) and at the Metropolitan Museum in New York (1455-1460).