The painting ‘The Arnolfini Portrait’ also called the ‘Arnolfini Marriage / Wedding’ is considered one of the most original and complex paintings of the Netherland Renaissance. Painted by Jan van Eyck (1390-1441) in 1434 (oil on oak panel of three vertical boards) measuring 33.3 inches × 24.6 inches, it portrays the fascinating details and complex symbolism of that era. What makes this painting unique is the fact that it is a record of Giovanni Arnolfini marriage. These days a couple hires a photographer to record their wedding, but at that time Arnolfini hired an artist to paint the picture which was also a legal record and the artist signed it as an official document. All the objects depicted in the painting have meaning and most importantly they symbolise the affluence of the subjects. The painting was bought by the National Gallery in London in 1842 where it is still displayed.— M.I.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, May 17th, 2015

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