Jan van Eyck (about 1390-1441)
Characteristics
 Signs and dates his pictures, which was unusual at the time
 Writes words or phrases on his art
 Has a good sense of visual texture; each surface looks like a
different texture
 Can portray direct and diffused light, as well as shadows
associated with it (known as pictorial illusionism)
 All of his painted subjects are in a three-quarter pose, facing
slightly away from the viewer
(top): Portrait of a Man in
a Turban, 1433. Oil on
panel
The Annunciation, 1434-1436. Oil on wood, transferred to canvas

The angel Gabriel tells the Virgin Mary that she will conceive the
son of God

Words are written on the piece; Gabriel says “Hail Mary, full of
grace”. Mary’s response– behold the handmaiden of the Lord”– is
upside down so God can see her response

Most depictions of the annunciation occur in the Virgin Mary’s
home, with both Gabriel and Mary being far apart; here, they are in an
elaborate church and are much closer. The close proximity gives a sense
of intimacy and privacy
Symbolism on the Upper Story
 The Romanesque architecture
in the form of round-arched
windows, passes into the more
newer Early Gothic architecture
below to further the point of
transitioning from the Old to
New Testament
 The upper story of the building
is dark with a single stain glass
window depicting God
represents the Old Testament
(top): A detailed look of the upper story.
Symbolism on the Lower Story

Is brighter in comparison
since it’s lit up by the “Light of the
World”

The
three
windows
represent the Trinity, and may
refer to the coming of the New
Testament

The floor tiles depict Old
Testament events such as David
beheading Goliath, as well as the
Philistine temple being destroyed,
which may be an allegory to what
Jesus would do later on
Symbolism in the Foreground

The lilies near the Virgin
Mary represents her innocence
and purity

Lilies are also on Gabriel’s
robes, which represents Mary

The dove of the Holy Spirit
descends on seven rays of light;
one ray of light reaches the Virgin
Mary’s head, signifying that she
now conceives the son of God
(top): A detailed look of the lower story.