In 1434 the great Flemish painter Jan van Eyck produced one of his most famous works, which bears the lengthy title of Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife, Giovanna Cenami. Fabrics, fleshtones and lighting are rendered with photographic realism, yet there is still a compelling, mysterious surrealism. Artists consider it eye candy. But, what does the historian think?
The painting gives us some insights into the period’s fashion. Then, as now, people used clothing to state their station in life. Giovanni’s enormous hat and luxurious fur robe is not the garb of peasants. Bling, however, is missing. Also, Giovanna looks pregnant, but she is merely demonstrating the way in which wealthy women of the time handled their ridiculously long gowns.
There are also clues to the concept of marriage or civil union of the time. The couple has joined their hands and Giovanni has his right hand raised. The mirror on the wall shows the reflection of two people who are, apparently, witnesses to the scene. One of those people may be the artist himself as the graffiti on the wall states, “Jan van Eyck was here. 1434.” We can conclude that this is a wedding or some sort of pledge of faith between the couple. But it’s a far cry from today’s lavish affairs.
The setting gives us some clues as well. It’s a bedroom, not a church. The bedroom is significant because it contains objects and furnishings associated with the woman’s dowry. Some historians believe that marriage in the Netherlands during the 15th century was more a secular event rather than religious.
Is it a coincidence that the man is looking out on the side of the room with the window while the woman is near the bed on the windowless side of the room? What would that indicate about society?
Take a look and see what clues you can sleuth out for yourself.
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Xavio said:
Arnolfini’s Wedding, has been 1 of my favorite paintings for quite a long time.
Each time I see the painting I get the feeling that Arnolfini is about to bless the people coming into his room. It is just the way he holds his hands.
But he cannot be a priest, as he is married.
Isn’t there a theory about dogs in paintings, if I remember correctly , it has something to do with loyalty.
On the windowsill you can see an apple. Does this allude to Eve? You know , the story about her eating the forbidden fruit and thereby making sure that we are now no longer living in paradise.
I still get the feeling that this picture is laden with clues, it is just that we don’t know how to really look at it, and interpret what we see.
June 4th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Faux said:
Arnolfini’s Wedding just doesn’t do it for me I can’t quite put my finger on it but it’s not my taste.
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
painting contractor said:
Am I the only one on here that doesn’t like this painting?
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:58 pm