← Masterpieces

The Arnolfini Portrait

Jan van Eyck · 1434 · National Gallery, London
The Arnolfini Portrait

The artist

Jan van Eyck, a master painter from the Low Countries who was famous for his amazing use of oil paint.

What you see

A richly dressed man and woman stand together in a cozy bedroom, holding hands in a quiet, gentle moment.

The story

Painted in 1434, many people think it shows a couple's promise to marry, recorded like a proud family photo of its day.

The style

Van Eyck painted with thin layers of oil so tiny details, like fur and brass, seem to glow with real light.

Look closer

On the back wall hangs a round mirror, and if you look closely you can see the whole room reflected inside it, even two visitors at the door.

Where to see it

You can visit this painting at the National Gallery in London, where it is one of the most loved works.

Fun fact

Above the mirror the artist wrote in fancy letters Jan van Eyck was here, like signing his name inside the scene.