The Arnolfini Portrait Jan van Eyck (1385/90-1441)

This is a painting titled The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck.

What I see:

The painting depicts a man and a woman standing in a richly decorated room. The man, on the left, is wearing a dark hat and cloak, and is holding the womans left hand with his right. He has a stern, serious expression. The woman, on the right, is wearing a vibrant green gown with elaborate draping and a white head covering. She appears to be pregnant, with her hand resting on her rounded belly. Her expression is more serene.

The room is filled with details that suggest wealth and domesticity. Theres a large window on the left, letting in light that illuminates the scene. A chandelier hangs from the ornate ceiling, and a convex mirror is mounted on the back wall, reflecting the room and two additional figures, one of whom is likely the painter. A small dog stands at the couples feet. Other objects in the room include wooden clogs near the front, fruit on the windowsill, and possibly a carving on the bedpost. The overall impression is one of a formal, private occasion.

Subtexts and Interpretations:

The Arnolfini Portrait is renowned for the depth of its symbolism and the various interpretations it has generated:

• Marriage or Betrothal: The most common interpretation is that the painting is a visual record of the marriage or betrothal of Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and his wife. The joining of hands (dextrarum iunctio) is often a symbol of union. The presence of witnesses (reflected in the mirror) and the potential legal implications of the scene (represented by the inscription above the mirror, Johannes de Eyck fuit hic 1434 - Jan van Eyck was here 1434) support this idea, suggesting the painting might have served as a legal document of the event.

• Wealth and Status: The luxurious clothing, the ornate furnishings, and the general opulence of the room clearly communicate the high social and economic status of the couple. The furs, the expensive dyes of the fabrics, and the brass chandelier all point to their prosperity.

• Domestic Piety and Fertility: The womans green dress, a color often associated with fertility and hope, and her hand on her stomach, which can suggest pregnancy or a desire for children, contribute to the theme of domesticity and procreation. The dog can symbolize fidelity and loyalty. The discarding of clogs might indicate that this is a sacred space or a significant event taking place on holy ground. The single lit candle in the chandelier, even in daylight, could represent the all-seeing eye of God or the presence of Christ.

• Symbolism of Objects: Almost every object in the painting is thought to have symbolic meaning:

  • The mirror: Not only shows the scene from another perspective but also reflects the moral order and Gods omniprésence. The ten medallions around the mirror may depict scenes from the Passion of Christ, further reinforcing the religious context.
  • The fruit (oranges): Could symbolize fertility or, if they are oranges, hint at wealth as they were a luxury item in Northern Europe at the time.
  • The dog: Represents fidelity, loyalty, and perhaps lust in a marital context.
  • The discarded clogs: Suggest the sanctity of the event.
  • The single candle: Symbolizes the presence of God or Christ, the marriage candle.
  • The carving on the bedpost: Often interpreted as St. Margaret, the patron saint of childbirth.

The painting, therefore, is not just a portrait of two individuals but a complex and layered work that speaks to themes of marriage, social standing, religious devotion, and domestic life in 15th-century Flanders.