The Arnolfini Portrait | Jan van Eyck | 1434

"The Arnolfini Portrait" by Jan van Eyck, painted around 1434, is a masterpiece of Northern Renaissance art, renowned for its intricate detail and use of oil paints to achieve a remarkable luminosity and realism. The painting depicts a wealthy couple, presumed to be Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and his wife, standing in a richly adorned room that signifies their wealth and social status. The man stands to the left, dressed in a wide-brimmed hat and a fur-lined overgarment, while the woman, to the right, wears a green dress with voluminous sleeves and a white headdress, her hand resting gently in that of her husband's. A small dog, symbolizing loyalty, stands at their feet.

Van Eyck's attention to detail extends to the room's decor, with its ornate chandelier and convex mirror reflecting two figures at the doorway. This mirror is also decorated with roundels depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. The painting is famous for its use of perspective, the mirror acting as a focal point to draw the viewer's eye into the depth of the room. Objects such as the discarded shoes, the fruit on the windowsill, and the intricate Oriental carpet are depicted with meticulous care, adding to the overall sense of realism. The painting also includes a unique feature: Van Eyck's signature above the mirror, which translates to "Jan van Eyck was here 1434," establishing his presence in the scene, perhaps reflected in the mirror. This signature adds a layer of complexity to the work, blurring the lines between artist and observer.

Frame:

Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age.

All framed prints feature our premium fine art paper. This is a museum-quality paper which reproduces photography and artworks with exceptional tonality and renders sharp details with consistent flatness and accuracy.

Print: 

For the matted / mounted prints we use a thick 1.4mm window mount cut from premium, textured mountboard. All mounts are "conservation grade", FSC certified, 100% acid free, and will not discolour or fade with age.

• Simple, elegant design
• Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface
• Handmade by specialist picture framers
• FSC certified off-white mat / window mount
• Delivered ready for hanging