THE ARNOLFINI PORTRAIT The Arnolfini Portrait is one of my favourite paintings. Recently, I've watched a very nice documentary regarding this masterpiece and his author: Jan Van Eyck. The Arnolfini Portrait is an oil painting on oak panel dated in 1434, it...
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THE ARNOLFINI PORTRAIT The Arnolfini Portrait is one of my favourite paintings. Recently, I've watched a very nice documentary regarding this masterpiece and his author: Jan Van Eyck. The Arnolfini Portrait is an oil painting on oak panel dated in 1434, it is now situated in the National Gallery in London. This entrancing picture by Van Eyck opens the door to the private world of the wealthy Flemish merchant class. Giovanni Arnolfini was a prosperous Italian banker who had settled in Bruges with his wife Giovanna Cenami. They are standing side by side in the bridal chamber, facing towards the viewer. The husband is holding out his wife's hand. Moreover, the portrait is full of symbols that are used to bring good fortune on this couple. Everything we can see has a double meaning. Despite the restricted space, the painter has contrived to surround the characters with a host of symbols. To the left, the oranges (or maybe apricots or apples, it is difficult to be certain) placed on the low
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