Janu Skorel (Scorel) – Dutch painter, the first artist who proclaimed the ideals of the Renaissance in modern Dutch. Born Skorel near Alkmaar. Got a versatile art education. In Utrecht worked with Tossartom. Perhaps it was filed Gossaert Skorelu idea to visit Italy. In 1519 Skorel traveled.

Drive through Shpayer, Strasbourg, Basel and Nuremberg, he joined in Venice to the group of pilgrims. With them Skorel visited Cyprus, Rhodes, Crete and swam to Jerusalem. The following year he returned to Venice and finally drove to Rome. There Skorel found favor Pope Adrian vi, the former a native of Utrecht. In 1524 the artist returned to Utrecht, where spent most of his life. Among compatriots, he soon acquired a reputation as one of the best painters of the country. Since that time Skorel became known in the courts of France, Spain and Sweden.

His hands belonged to the majestic altar images, unfortunately not extant. However, much of his work survived. It is obvious that Skorel, while living in Rome, devoted much time studying classical sculpture and works of Raphael and Michelangelo. In his manner elaboration of landscapes and portraits, is inspired by masters of the Venetian school, Giorgione, and Palma (older). But, unlike most of the works of artists of the Netherlands School pictures Skorela – not just listening Renaissance motifs. In the film 'bringing gifts to the church' (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna), the interior is decorated in the style of Bramante. The proportions of the figures, movement, drape garments – all said that Skorel understand what effect, tried to reach his Italian contemporaries. On the other hand, the artist's interest in the phenomena of nature, the play of light and shadow, its amazing scenery – a legacy of the Netherlands culture of painting. Skorel tried combine in their works the northern and southern origin. In the multi-figure compositions, he does not always succeed, but portraits Skorela are certainly works of extraordinary talent.