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Analysis - Weesner
Art Appreciation (Liberty
University)
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ANALYSIS 1
Analysis Paper
Liberty University
Zachary Cushman
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ANALYSIS 2
Introduction
Jan van Eyck created Arnolfini’s wedding in 1434. It depicts the marriage of Giovanni
Arnolfini and Giovanna Canami. Some details of this painting include oil on wood as the
medium and that it is 82 x 60 cm (Britannica, 2016). It currently resides in Room 63 of the
National Gallery. (The National Gallery, 2022).
Along with Robert Campin, Van Eyck is considered the pioneer of Flemish oil painting.
Van Eyck would also proceed to contribute significantly to the naturalism of the Northern
Renaissance School with many future works. (Encyclopedia of Art Education, 2022).
Brief Description
In this picture, there is a man and a woman who are getting married, indicated by the
title of the artwork. These two appear to be very wealthy, as shown by many of the various
objects found in the room. The couple believed to be Arnolfini and Canami, as previously
mentioned, both come from trading backgrounds, furthering the claim of wealth. Arnolfini was a
prosperous merchant from Lucca, and Canami’s father was an Italian banker (Encyclopedia of
Art Education, 2022). Van Eyck also inscribed and dated his name into the painting by making
it appear as though it was a part of the wall, which translates to “Van Eyck was here” (Howell,
2020).
Analysis
The techniques of this artwork are masterful. The balance between wealth and humanity
is extremely well interpreted. The National Gallery states, “Moreover, every object has been
carefully chosen to proclaim the couple’s wealth and social status without risking criticism for
aping the aristocracy.” (The National Gallery, 2022, Overview para. 2). The room itself seems
unproportionate, although it is still conveyed as though Van Eyck was painting what he saw. A
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ANALYSIS 3
mirror towards the back also adds much depth to this painting. In its reflection, the room is
nearly perfectly mirrored, and two extra people can be seen behind the point of view. Allusions
to fertility are also shown in this artwork. There is a carving of Saint Margaret overlooking the
bed that resides on the back of a chair that is under the chandelier. A dog, which was a common
symbol of fertility, is also present in the portrait (Encyclopedia of Art Education, 2022).
Conclusion
Personally, this piece of art is very appealing. As I mentioned in my artist report of
Dürer, I love horror movies, games, etc. Getting creeped out is one form of entertainment for me.
Van Eyck created this painting with such surreal detailing that it is partially creepy to me. A lot
of early art touches on this creep factor when painting people, but sometimes I feel as though the
realness is always forgotten. Not in this case, however. The couple portrayed seem like they
could have been ordinary, everyday people, which makes it seem as though they could come to
life at any moment.
The room also has a creep factor to it. Although it was likely no houses had great
lighting, the lighting in this house and the colors remind me of a haunted castle or something
related to that. When I realized the mirror actually had a reflection was terrific as well. So much
detail went into this, and many aspects can appeal to many people. The only criticism I would
have is using fertility symbols rather than biblical symbols. Although it does not seem like Van
Eyck was worshiping idols, this could lead many down the path of idolatry.
We must be very careful when we tiptoe the line between accepting earthly things and
worshiping earthly things. God has a plan and will provide us with what we need to fulfill that
plan to satisfy us. As Philippians 4:19 and Luke 12:24 state, respectively, “And my God will
supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” and “Consider the ravens,
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that they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how
much more valuable you are than the birds!” (NASB, 2020).
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References
Britannica. (2016). Arnolfini Wedding. Britannica.
https://quest.eb.com/search/arnolfini-wedding/1/109_172845/van-Eyck--Arnolfini-
Wedding--1434
Encyclopedia of Art Education. (2022). The Arnolfini Portrait. Encyclopedia of Art Education.
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/famous-paintings/arnolfini-portrait.htm
Howell, A. (2020). The Arnolfini Portrait: Theories, interpretations, and analysis. The
Collector. https://www.thecollector.com/arnolfini-portrait-theories-analysis/
New American Standard Bible. (2020). The Lockman Foundation.
The National Gallery. (2022). The Arnolfini Portrait. The National Gallery.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/jan-van-eyck-the-arnolfini-
portrait#VideoPlayer95520
