Jan Van Eyck Double Portrait Essay

In the painting “Double Portrait” by Jan Van Eyck, iconography has been used to decipher many of the different possible meanings that the artworks displays. The couple are thought to be Giovanni di Arrigo Arnolfini, who was a rich merchant, and his wife Giovanna Cenami. Both of the people are from very prominent families. The first theory states that the painting depicts a secret marriage whereas the painting served as a type of certification of the couple. In this theory, the bride is seen to be pregnant which shows fertility, along with the bed that is completely in red sheets and decorations. There is a single candle in the room which in many cases, represents the presence of God at the scene. The dog is in the painting to represent the marital fidelity, and the shoes are off to show that the couple is standing on sacred ground. I can agree
The third theory is one that states that the two are not who history states they are, and are actually cousins of the original figures. Finally that last theory states that the painting is one of rememberance of the wife who supposedly died during childbirth. The hands in the painting are used to show the transition into the afterlife of the woman. The man’s right hand us up which symbolizes that he is bidding his wife farewell. His left hand is letting the woman’s hand slip away as she moves on into death. I like this theory, as it combines components of the others, but also gives great theories for why the hands are as they are.
I strongly believe that the knowledge of iconography contributes to the appreciation of art. Without the iconography, the painting would simply be a “pretty picture.” There would be no meaning behind it. With iconography, you can decipher what the artist is trying to portray in the scene. Iconography also gives you a story behind the painting, and therefore, give the viewer more information about the setting and time