The Arnolfini Portrait Jan Van Eyk

The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan Van Eyk was painted during the Renaissance which was a period in Europe between the 14th and 17th century. It is highlighted by the development of highly realistic linear perspective which is included in the painting. The painting is a tempera and oil on wood and shows great detail that points out the Northern Renaissance. It includes thin layers of thin oil paint to make it very rich in color and detail. The detail makes every part of the painting stick out, an example being the light coming in from the window. Van Eyk clearly shows his expertise of the use of oil painting. The mirror is by far the most interesting part of the painting because it reflects two people, as well as the mirror itself includes different