Jan van Eyck
(c. 1390 - c. July 9, 1441) |
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secular narratives, altarpieces, use of oil paints Art Work
| Name: |
Jan van Eyck |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Place of Birth: |
Maaseik, Belgium |
| Nationality: |
Dutch |
| Birth: |
c. 1390 |
| Death: |
c. July 9, 1441 |
| Website: |
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| Past Auctions: |
Click Here |
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Quick Facts
| Known For: |
secular narratives, altarpieces, use of oil paints |
| Medium: |
oil painting |
| Method: |
oil painting |
| Style: |
Northern Renaissance |
| Fine Art Profession(s): |
Painting
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Biography
One of the first Flemish artists to sign a number of his works, the presence of Jan van Eyck is felt strongly in his paintings, whether through his signature, the powerful realism of his work, or his own image reflected in a mirror. Indeed, many now believe that his Portrait of a Man (1433, National Gallery, London) is a self portrait.
Van Eyck's work reflects the wealth and display of cities such as Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres as they emerged from the late Middle Ages. He faithfully rendered the surfaces of clothing and interiors, creating a lasting record of a lost world in meticulous detail. One of the first artists to use oil paint and the earliest to perfect its use, van Eyck has been bestowed the title of "father of oil painting." His also noted for his extensive use of symbology and placement of specific objects to infuse his paintings with meaning.
In 1425, van Eyck entered the service of Philip III the Good, Duke of Burgundy, acquiring a court title that would give him the welcome opportunity to travel extensively. His most famous work, Dedication of the Adoration of the Lamb The Ghent Altarpiece (1432) for the Cathedral of Saint Bavo, was to secure him a place in the history of painting, not least for the controversy surrounding the work. The debate centers around the role and identity of Jan's brother, the painter Hubert van Eyck, who, according to the inscription on the frame, appears to have contributed to the altarpiece and may have in fact done the lion's share of the work.
Perhaps the best loved piece by van Eyck, though, is his iconic image of a couple holding hands in a lavish bedroom, The Arnolfini Portrait 1434. As a painting about the art of illusion and the act of looking, the portrait became a touchstone for subsequent generations. The motif of the convex mirror continues to be quoted today. |
Samples of Work
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