Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (1434)
by Jan van EYCK

"The Arnolfini Marriage" is a name that has been given to this untitled double portrait by Jan van Eyck, now in the National Gallery, London. It is one of the greatest celebrations of human mutuality. Like Rembrandt's "Jewish Bride", this painting reveals to us the inner meaning of a true marriage.

Giovanni Arnolfini, a prosperous Italian banker who had settled in Bruges, and his wife Giovanna Cenami, stand side by side in the bridal chamber, facing towards the viewer. The husband is holding out his wife's hand. The painting has the half-light of a room only partially lit by windows. The space is filled with filtered daylight from the side. Although the cherry trees in the garden are heavy with ripe fruit, we do not have the impression that it is summer outside, because the two figures are wearing layered clothing lined with fur, and their heads are covered.

Preview Picture Data File Info Comment
Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife
1434
Oil on oak, 82 x 60 cm
National Gallery, London

1035*1400
True Color
171 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife
1434
Oil on oak, 82 x 60 cm
National Gallery, London

1000*1345
True Color
161 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

950*1271
True Color
189 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

950*1264
True Color
177 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

730*1008
True Color
163 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

1000*1054
True Color
139 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

1000*1108
True Color
165 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

642*784
True Color
98 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

715*950
True Color
78 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

850*940
True Color
103 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

850*951
True Color
83 Kb



Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail)
1434
Oil on oak
National Gallery, London

850*947
True Color
104 Kb




Summary of works by Jan van Eyck
Paintings until 1434 | Paintings from 1435
The Ghent Altarpiece (1432)
Open, upper section (1) | Open, upper section (2) | Open, lower section
closed, upper section | closed, lower section
Famous panels
Arnolfini marriage portrait | Madonna with Canon van der Paele