The Refined Elegance of Bernard van Orley Bernard van Orley, a pivotal figure in the transition from Early Netherlandish to High Renaissance painting, stands as a testament to the evolving artistic landscape of 16th-century Europe. Born around 1488 in Brussels – though precise dates remain elusive – he emerged from a family deeply entrenched in the city’s thriving artistic community. His father, Joos van Orley, and uncle, Jan van Orley, were established painters, providing Bernard with an initial grounding in the traditions of meticulous detail and religious iconography characteristic of Fle…