Jan van Eyck c. 1390—1441

The van Eyck brothers Jan van Eyck and his brother were given credit for inventing oil painting methods. Developed glowing, exciting color. Edges were smooth and visible Forms were carefully detailed.

Symbolism Used a great deal of symbolism, especially in religious paintings The white lilies symbolized the Virgin Mary Three windows or arches stood for Trinity The Virgin herself was a symbol of the Church The Annunciation

The Arnolfini Marriage Most famous It was called a marriage document because an inscription on the wall above a mirror reads “Jan van Eyck was here, 1434.” In the mirror we see the artist; thus the painting features him as a witness to the marriage.

A Man in a Turban

Jan van Eyck During his lifetime, Jan van Eyck’s work was known and appreciated in many other countries It is still admired for the astonishing detail, the glowing color, and the expressiveness of the portraits.