Arnolfini Portrait

Jan van Eyck's "Arnolfini Portrait," completed in 1434, depicts Giovanni di Nicolao di Arnolfini, a wealthy merchant, and his presumed wife standing in a lavishly furnished room. The couple is positioned in the center, holding hands, surrounded by rich textures and intricate details that showcase van Eyck’s meticulous technique. The woman's voluminous green dress, with elaborate folds, contrasts with the deep reds and browns of the interior. A convex mirror on the back wall subtly reflects two figures, possibly witnesses to the scene, while inscribed above it is van Eyck's signature: "Jan van Eyck was here, 1434." The room is filled with symbolic objects, such as the dog representing loyalty, the ornate chandelier, and a single candle suggesting the divine presence. The overall composition captures a moment of both solemnity and intimacy, enhanced by van Eyck’s masterful use of light and oil glazing to create a realistic and complex portrayal of domestic life.   Each piece is made excl