The Arnolfini Portrait – Jan van Eyck Part 6 National Gallery UK

The painting The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck depicts a wealthy couple, likely Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and his wife, in a richly decorated domestic interior. The man, on the left, wears a dark, fur-lined robe and a distinctive hat, while the woman, on the right, is dressed in an voluminous green gown, a white headdress, and a blue underdress. They stand facing each other, holding hands, their joined hands forming a central focal point.
The room is meticulously detailed, showcasing the couples affluence. A wooden floor, a red bed canopy, a finely crafted chandelier, a convex mirror on the wall, and various other objects contribute to the sense of luxury and realism. The presence of a small dog in the foreground and the scene visible through the window further enhance the liveliness and depth of the composition.
The painting is rich with subtexts and symbolism, prompting various interpretations. It is often understood as a wedding portrait or a depiction of a betrothal, serving as a legal document of the union. The joined hands can symbolize their union, and the placement of the man near the window and the woman near the bed might suggest their respective roles in society and the domestic sphere.
The convex mirror is a particularly intriguing element. It reflects the entire scene, including two figures standing in the doorway – one of whom is possibly the artist himself. The intricately painted scenes from the Passion of Christ encircling the mirror further add a religious dimension, implying divine oversight of the sacrament of marriage. The artists signature above the mirror, Johannes de eyck fuit hic 1434 (Jan van Eyck was here 1434), acts like a witnesss inscription, reinforcing the idea of the painting as a testament.
Other symbolic elements include the discarded clogs, which can signify holy ground, suggesting the solemnity of the occasion. The single lit candle in the chandelier, even in daylight, might represent the all-seeing eye of God or the nuptial flame. The oranges on the windowsill and chest could symbolize fertility or wealth, as they were expensive imports at the time. The dog is often seen as a symbol of fidelity. The womans posture, with her hand on her rounded stomach, has led to interpretations of pregnancy, though it could also be a fashionable way of holding the voluminous fabric of her gown, or a symbolic representation of hope for offspring.
Overall, The Arnolfini Portrait is a masterpiece that transcends a simple depiction of a couple, offering a complex and multi-layered commentary on marriage, social status, wealth, and faith in the 15th century.