Parts of a Painting: The Arnolfini Portrait

The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck is nicknamed ‘art history’s favorite painting’ for the rich layers of symbolism it manages to include in a seemingly simple scene. Some think that the painting was intended to serve as a legal document, while others still believe that the woman in the image was deceased long before van Eyck even set up his easel to begin painting. Whether you choose to study the painting for clues, or merely appreciate van Eyck’s masterful grasp of realism, The Arnolfini Portrait is a captivating and beautiful art historical treasure.