Jan van Eyck 13951441 Northern Renaissance

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Jan van Eyck1395-1441Northern Renaissance
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Portrait of a Man in a Turban, 1433

• It is thought this is a self-portrait of Jan van
  Eyck (jan van ike).
• Almost nothing is known of Van Eycks early life,
  although he was very well educated. He held the
  post of court painter and diplomat for one of the
  states of the Netherlands.
• He was very well paid, both by the Prince and
  through private commissions.
• Hes famous for the early use of oil paints, and
  his paintings contain detail-work that is amazing
  to behold.

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Ghent Altarpiece 1432

• This altarpiece is covered front and back with a
  total of 24 scenes. This shows the interior of
  the altarpiece, with Christ in the center top
  position flanked by Mary and John the Baptist.
• The bottom left panel was stolen in 1934 and
  never recovered. The one you see today in a copy.

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Ghent Altarpiece, exterior

• This is the same screen when it is closed. Its
  still in the same church for which it was
  designed. The original commission was for Jans
  brother and when he died, Jan took over the
  project.
• The screen has survived 600 years of religious
  strife and wars. During World War II it was
  taken from the church and hidden in a salt mine
  for safety.
• Notice the incredible attention to detail here.
  Especially notice the folds in the fabrics and
  how real the statues look.

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Ghent Altarpiece details

• The Northern Renaissance differed from the
  Italian in its reliance on realistic
  representations, rather than idealized versions.
  Van Eyck takes the realism to an incredible level
  of detail.
• The picture on the left shows Mary holding
  Christ, while priests are in the room in the
  back. The picture on the right shows monks
  reading from holy texts. Van Eycks dedication
  to detail is so great that the words on the pages
  of the texts are accurate.

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The Annunciation, 1436

• Van Eyck was known for developing the use of oil
  paints, rather than the tempura used by prior
  artists. He built up layers of transparent
  glazes, which gave him a surface for his minutely
  detailed works. Another benefit of his method
  was that much of his original colors have
  survived.
• The Annunciation, which shows Mary being visited
  by an Angel, is at the National Gallery of Art in
  Washington, DC.

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Detail of Annunciation

• This close-up shows the work that went into the
  background. Van Eyck is famous for his treatment
  of light reflecting on different surfaces. Here,
  notice it glinting off the windows and the folds
  of the angels gown.

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Arnolfini Portrait, 1434

• Made of oil on an oak panel, it is hard to
  overstate the impact of this painting. It is one
  of the most closely studied works in art history.
  
• To contemporary viewers, virtually every item
  symbolically portrayed the wealth and commitment
  of this married couple.
• Despite the bed, the room is not a bedroom, but
  rather a reception room. At that time, beds were
  sometimes used for guest seating, or for a new
  mother receiving guests.
• The detail work of this painting is
  extraordinary, as we shall see.

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Details of the Arnolfini

• The top detail shows the mirror in the back of
  the portrait. Reflected in its surface is the
  couple in the foreground of the painting as well
  as another pair in a doorway opposite it. Some
  think one of the men in the door is Van Eyck, as
  his signature below the mirror says Van Eyck was
  here.
• The bottom detail shows the chandelier. The
  single candle is thought to be a reference to
  God. The bedpost is carved in the shape of St.
  Margaret, the patron saint of childbirth.

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Arnolfini details

• On the left is a detail of the womans gown. The
  rich fabrics and fancy trim would have declared
  the rich status of the couple.
• The right picture is of the pair of clogs,
  normally worn outside. Since they are off the
  feet, they are thought to symbolize the
  sacredness of marriage.
• Notice how precisely the wood grain has been
  painted, as well as the wear and tear of the
  shoes.

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Arnolfini details

• The dog symbolizes fidelity. Notice the
  floorboards again--even the slightly unevenness
  of the boards are shown.
• This is another view of the mirror. This time,
  look at the necklace on the left. Each bead
  individually reflects light.
• Van Eyck was revered in his time and continues to
  be a source of delight and amazement.