Jan van Eyck (1390 - 1441) - photo 1

Jan van Eyck

Jan Van Eyck, a prominent figure in the realm of art, was a Flemish painter renowned for his pioneering role in the development of oil painting. Born before 1395 in Maaseik, now Belgium, Van Eyck's work signifies a pivotal moment in the Early Netherlandish painting movement, contributing substantially to the Northern Renaissance's flourishing. His employment as court painter to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, allowed him engagements that ranged from diplomatic missions to producing commissioned portraits, demonstrating his versatility beyond the canvas​​​​.

Van Eyck's mastery in oil painting brought to life detailed, realistic depictions of both secular and religious subjects, with a notable emphasis on naturalistic textures and light. His technique involved layering translucent oil paints to achieve an unmatched depth and vibrancy, a method that influenced generations of artists to come. Among his approximately twenty surviving works, the Ghent Altarpiece stands out as a monumental piece, showcasing his adept use of oil paint to create intricate details and luminous colors. Despite some debate over his brother Hubert's involvement, Jan's contribution to its creation is undisputed, cementing his legacy as a key figure in art history​​.

In addition to the Ghent Altarpiece, Van Eyck is celebrated for the Arnolfini Portrait, a work famed for its complex symbolism and innovative use of mirror reflection to incorporate the viewer into the scene. This painting, along with others like the Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?), highlights Van Eyck's skill in creating vivid, textured surfaces that mimic the real world, blurring the lines between art and reality​​​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Van Eyck's oeuvre represents a crucial chapter in the evolution of Western art, offering insights into the cultural and technological advancements of his time. His works, preserved in some of the world's leading museums, continue to attract admiration for their technical brilliance and aesthetic beauty.

If you're intrigued by the innovation and mastery of Jan Van Eyck, consider signing up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to his work. This subscription offers a unique opportunity to stay informed about the latest discoveries and offerings in the realm of Van Eyck's enduring legacy.

Date and place of birt:1390, Maaseik, The Netherlands
Date and place of death:9 july 1441, Bruges, The Netherlands
Nationality:The Netherlands, Flanders
Period of activity: XV century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Art school / group:Flemish School
Genre:Genre art, Portrait, Religious genre
Art style:Renaissance, Old Masters

Creators The Netherlands

Kees Maks (1876 - 1967)
Kees Maks
1876 - 1967
Jan Wijnants (1632 - 1684)
Jan Wijnants
1632 - 1684
Abraham van der Wayen Pieterszen (1817 - 1880)
Abraham van der Wayen Pieterszen
1817 - 1880
Arie Johannes Lamme (1812 - 1900)
Arie Johannes Lamme
1812 - 1900
Erik Andriesse (1957 - 1993)
Erik Andriesse
1957 - 1993
Jean Augustin Daiwaille (1786 - 1850)
Jean Augustin Daiwaille
1786 - 1850
Henriette Ronner-Knip (1821 - 1909)
Henriette Ronner-Knip
1821 - 1909
Jan De Bisschop (1628 - 1671)
Jan De Bisschop
1628 - 1671
Pieter Frederik van Os (1808 - 1892)
Pieter Frederik van Os
1808 - 1892
Jacques Francois Carabain (1834 - 1933)
Jacques Francois Carabain
1834 - 1933
Maarten Krabbé (1908 - 2005)
Maarten Krabbé
1908 - 2005
Juriaen van Streeck (1632 - 1687)
Juriaen van Streeck
1632 - 1687
Salomon van Ruysdael (1601 - 1670)
Salomon van Ruysdael
1601 - 1670
Wallerant Vaillant (1623 - 1677)
Wallerant Vaillant
1623 - 1677
Gillis Claesz de Hondecoeter (1575 - 1638)
Gillis Claesz de Hondecoeter
1575 - 1638
Johan Mari Henri ten Kate (1831 - 1910)
Johan Mari Henri ten Kate
1831 - 1910

Creators Old Masters

Bartolomeo Veneto (XV century - 1555)
Bartolomeo Veneto
XV century - 1555
Jan Griffier II (1688 - 1750)
Jan Griffier II
1688 - 1750
Michelangelo Anselmi (1492 - 1556)
Michelangelo Anselmi
1492 - 1556
Taddeo Zuccaro (1529 - 1566)
Taddeo Zuccaro
1529 - 1566
 Maestro Di Griselda (XV century - ?)
Maestro Di Griselda
XV century - ?
Claes Jansz. van der Willigen (1630 - 1676)
Claes Jansz. van der Willigen
1630 - 1676
Corneille de Lyon (1500 - 1575)
Corneille de Lyon
1500 - 1575
Hieronymus van der Mij (1687 - 1761)
Hieronymus van der Mij
1687 - 1761
Paulus Potter (1625 - 1654)
Paulus Potter
1625 - 1654
Jean-Baptiste Huet (1745 - 1811)
Jean-Baptiste Huet
1745 - 1811
Antonio Catalano (1560 - 1630)
Antonio Catalano
1560 - 1630
Giulio Carpioni (1613 - 1678)
Giulio Carpioni
1613 - 1678
Diego Velázquez (1599 - 1660)
Diego Velázquez
1599 - 1660
Giovanni Andrea Sirani (1610 - 1670)
Giovanni Andrea Sirani
1610 - 1670
Lucas van Doetecum (1501 - 1579)
Lucas van Doetecum
1501 - 1579
Hendrick Martensz Sorgh (1610 - 1670)
Hendrick Martensz Sorgh
1610 - 1670
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