They depict a wide variety of subject matter, including portraiture and allegorical scenes, with a strong proclivity towards the devotional. The newly perfected technique of oil painting, combined with the artists' naturalistic vocabulary and almost microscopically rendered detail, make these the first truly modern paintings. The ordinary is made extraordinary in the many devotional paintings.
Miraculous apparitions materialize in scenes of everyday life.
Biblical scenes are placed within lovely 15th century houses and gardens. The emphasis placed on worldly possessions is quite apparent, and fitting too, as this region was one of the wealthiest in all of Europe at that time. The homes, clothes, and jewels of the era are painted in eloquent detail. In contrast, the last painting on view is Pieter Breugel's The Harvesters , a sweeping pastorale depicting working people involved in the simple pleasures of swimming, eating, and sleeping alfresco.