Jan Van Eyck's Arnolfini Wedding Portrait

In 1434, Flemish artist Jan van Eyck painted, signed, and dated his piece, the “Arnolfini Wedding Portrait.” This painting is believed to be of Giovanni di Arrigo Arnolfini, an Italian merchant, and his wife Giovanna Cenami and is thought to stand as documentation of their marriage. While it may seem like a simple dual-portrait, there are many subtle symbols incorporated in the scene that enhance the portrayal of this couple. Use of symbolism within the painting explains its purpose, shows what this Renaissance couple values, displays social norms of the era, and relates to universal symbols and basic human nature.
The artwork hints towards its purpose through intricate symbolic meaning to be found within the details of the scene. A quite plausible interpretation of the painting is that it is an image of a wedding ceremony and it serves as verification of said marriage. In fifteenth century
Renaissance usually refers to the renewed interest in the classical arts and culture that sprouted from Italy. However, the Northern Renaissance (which van Eyck was a part of) was characterized by people’s interest in observing the nature of our world and humans fit within that world. Northern artists had more focus on detail and this is very evident in van Eyck’s painting. There is intense detail in this picture, from the scruff of the dog’s fur to the flame of the candle. Another characteristic of the Northern Renaissance art was that there was emphasis on religious intensity. Within this painting, there are several religious symbols such as; the removed shoes (representing sanctity), the crystal prayer beads on the wall, and the image of Saint Margaret (protector of women in childbirth) carved into a high back chair near the bedside. These things skillfully represent the piety of the couple and incorporate religious undertones into a simple