Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Arnolfini Portrait is a famous oil painting created by Jan van Eyck in 1434. It depicts Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and his wife standing in a room filled with symbolic objects.
The use of symbols or objects to represent ideas or qualities.
Northern Renaissance Art: A style of art that emerged in Northern Europe during the Renaissance period, characterized by attention to detail, naturalistic representation, and the use of symbolism.
Oil Painting: A technique in which pigments are mixed with oil to create a painting. It allows for rich colors, fine details, and long-lasting artworks.