(1390-1441)
Jan Van Eyck, Portrait of a Man,
1433. Oil on Panel.
Portrayed direct and distributed light and texture
Created subordinate areas of focus
Realness and unity
Sheer artistry, inscription in his work simulate carved and applied lettering.
Meticulously accurate
Round figures
Marriage contract between
Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and possibly his wife,
Presumably in their home in the
Flemish city of Bruges
A pictorial prayer for fertility and children
Dog: fidelity in marriage
Hands held with palms upwards: fidelity in marriage
Candle: God
Orange: innocence that exists in the beginning of a marriage
Reflection : death of Christ and prayers to Virgin Mary
Mirror: all knowing God and passion of Christ
Shoes removed : sanctity of marriage
The chandelier: one candle lit which represents matrimony and the unity of marriage
Style of shoes: high status
Their hands: raised as though taking an oath
Dog: wealth and high status
Oranges on the windowsill: indicates wealth
Convex mirror: neutralism; it’s there so the whole room can be seen, and to show that there was a witness to the wedding.
The crystal prayer beads on the wall & the image
of Saint Margaret: suggest strong belief in religion
Words above mirror mean
“Jan Van Eyck was here.”
Ghent Altarpiece (1432)
Lucca Madonna (1436)
Just Judges (1432)
Portrait of Cardinal Niccolo Albergati (1432)