| Jan van Eyck or Johannes de Eyck (probably | | | | cherry tree is also shown in full bloom outside the |
| before c. 1395 - before July 9, 1441) is regarded | | | | window, seemingly 'Symbolic' of love. The man's |
| as one of the foremost painters from North | | | | hand is vertically raised, showing authority, while |
| Europe during the fifteenth century. He is often | | | | the wife's hand is placed in a horizontal position, |
| called the 'father of oil painting,' not because he | | | | 'Symbolizing' a somewhat submissive posture. The |
| invented the technique, but because he was able | | | | woman is dressed in green, which might again be |
| to bring about extraordinary and new effects, | | | | 'Symbolic' of hope and fertility, while her white cap |
| using this medium. Besides working at the court | | | | is reflective of purity. The painting is painted with |
| of John of Bavaria at The Hague, Jan van Eyck | | | | glowing colors, highlighting 'Realism' and reflecting |
| also painted for private clients. Jan's most famous | | | | Arnolfini's opulence and wealth. |
| painting is "The Arnolfini Marriage" also known as | | | | Jan van Eyck was able to play with light and |
| "Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife Giovanna Cenami" | | | | shade effects in the painting to create a |
| (1434). | | | | three-dimensional effect. "The Arnolfini Marriage" is |
| Eyck's "The Arnolfini Marriage" is an oil painting | | | | currently in The National Gallery in London. There |
| made on an oak wood panel. The painting is an | | | | has been intense speculation regarding this |
| iconic 'Symbolism' work and has been referred to | | | | creation being a proof of betrothal or a painted |
| as one of the most original, multifaceted and | | | | marriage certificate. Some of the other amazing |
| complex paintings of the Western art world. The | | | | pieces of art by Eyck include the 'Ghent |
| painting is characterized by the placement of | | | | Altarpiece' painted for Jodocus Vijdts and his wife |
| objects, figures, as well as the use of varied | | | | Elisabeth Borluut. Two other exceptional works of |
| colors. The 'Symbolic' objects and figures include a | | | | Jan van Eyck are the 'Madonna with kanunnik Joris |
| little dog in the centre that seems to represent | | | | van der Paele' and the 'Madonna with Chancellor |
| fidelity, while oranges on the chest could signify | | | | Rolin.' Jan van Eyck also painted several religious |
| fertility. A close look at the spotless mirror in the | | | | paintings, including 'Annunciation' and many haunting |
| background reveals the reflections of the couple | | | | portraits such as the 'Portrait of a Man,' which is |
| as well as the artist. The inscription above the | | | | believed to be his own portrait. Jan van Eyck died |
| mirror says, "Johannes de Eyck fuit hic, 1434," | | | | in Bruges in 1441, but not before he had created |
| that is translated as, "Jan van Eyck was here." A | | | | a masterpiece, "The Arnolfini Marriage. |