Jan van Eyck (c. 1390-1441). Beauty is in the details

by olesia

Dec 12, 2025

Art History

Jan van Eyck was one of the most influential painters of the Northern Renaissance, born around 1390 in Maaseik, a town in what is now Belgium. He worked in Bruges, the economic and cultural center of the region at the time. Van Eyck is best known for his pioneering use of oil painting, his incredible attention to detail, and his mastery of light and texture. He played a central role in revolutionizing European art, particularly in the depiction of realism, using innovative techniques that would influence generations of artists.

Van Eyck’s work is often associated with the technique of oil painting, which allowed him to create depth, luminous color, and fine detail. While oil painting had been used before, he perfected the technique by layering thin glazes of oil, which gave his works a remarkable depth and brilliance. This technique, which he may have learned from his time working as a court painter for the Duke of Burgundy, became a hallmark of Northern Renaissance painting.

One of Van Eyck’s most famous works is *The Arnolfini Portrait* (1434), housed in the National Gallery in London. This painting is widely regarded as a masterpiece of early Netherlandish art. It depicts a couple, Giovanni di Nicolao di Arnalfo (a wealthy merchant from Italy) and his wife Costanza, in a richly detailed domestic setting. The painting is celebrated for its intricate details, such as the textures of the carpet, the reflection in the convex mirror, and the carefully rendered fabrics of the couple’s clothes. The symbolism in the work is also important: the dog represents loyalty, the presence of the convex mirror reflects the wedding guests and the act of witnessing, and the fruit on the windowsill may symbolize fertility and the sanctity of the marriage.

Van Eyck’s mastery of light, texture, and detail is particularly evident in his portrayal of the couple’s garments. The rendering of the fabric, especially the luxurious velvet and fur, seems almost tangible. The meticulous depiction of the textures and surfaces gives the painting an almost photographic quality, demonstrating van Eyck’s technical prowess and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects’ world.

Another famous work is *The Ghent Altarpiece* (1432), a massive polyptych located in St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. This work, one of Van Eyck’s most monumental achievements, is an early example of oil painting used on a large scale. The altarpiece depicts various religious scenes, including the Adoration of the Lamb, and is famed for its vibrant colors, incredible detail, and the realistic rendering of figures and landscapes. Each panel of the altarpiece reveals van Eyck’s ability to blend religious symbolism with realism. The altarpiece was revolutionary for its time, as it presented biblical scenes in a way that made them more accessible and relatable to the viewer, emphasizing emotion and devotion.

Van Eyck’s style is often described as precise and meticulous. His use of light and shadow, combined with his attention to minute details, gave his works an almost tangible sense of presence. The reflective surfaces in his paintings, such as glass, water, and metal, are rendered with exceptional accuracy, and the lifelike textures of fabrics, skin, and foliage are unparalleled. His work exemplified the Northern Renaissance’s emphasis on realism, particularly in the way objects and textures were captured with almost scientific precision.

Though little is known about van Eyck’s life, he is believed to have worked in the service of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, which provided him with steady patronage. It’s likely that van Eyck traveled with the Duke’s court, creating portraiture, altarpieces, and religious works for both public and private settings.

Van Eyck’s influence extended far beyond his own lifetime. His technique of using oil paint, his ability to capture realistic details, and his use of symbolism influenced generations of artists in the Netherlands, Germany, and beyond. He is often regarded as the father of Northern Renaissance painting, and his legacy continues to shape the history of art.