Jan Van Eyck Analysis

The Renaissance was a period in history that took place in 14th through 17th century Europe following the Middle Ages. The term Renaissance means “rebirth”, and the period was primarily a time of revival of classical learning and wisdom after a long period of cultural decline. There was also an explosion of art during this time. The new birth of resurrection known as the "Renaissance" is usually considered to have begun in Italy in the fourteenth century. There were many famous artists during this period, people along the lines of Leonardo Da Vinci, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Titian. Jan van Eyck was also an artist of the Renaissance who was known for perfecting the newly developed art of oil painting.
Jan van Eyck was a Flemish painter born …show more content…
Arnolfini was a prosperous Italian banker who had settled in Bruges,with his wife, Giovanna Cenami. The painting portrays Giovanni Arnolfini in the bridal chamber side-by-side with his wife, facing the viewer, holding her hand. Like Rembrandt's "Jewish Bride", this painting supposedly reveals to us the inner meaning of a true marriage. Despite the restricted space, van Eyck surrounded them with a host of symbols. To the left, the oranges placed on the low table and the windowsill are a reminder of an original innocence, of an age before sin. The fruits are no clearly visible, so it is possible that they are apples instead of oranges, in which case they would represent the temptation of knowledge and the Fall. Above the couple's heads, the candle that has been left burning in broad daylight on one of the branches of a chandelier can be interpreted as the nuptial flame, or as the eye of God. The small dog in the foreground is an emblem of fidelity and love. Meanwhile, the marriage bed with its bright red curtains evokes the physical act of love which, according to Christian doctrine, is an essential part of the perfect union of man and