Exploration Essay

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The two double portrait pieces by Jan van Eyck and John Singleton Copley show a married couple together posing for the paintings. At first glance, it appears they are both very similar because both pieces have the married couple posing for the pieces. However, they come from different artists and different time periods. The marital relationship of these men and women are different. Social structure and concerns of the cultural situations also played a part in how the pieces were made and portrayed. The first piece by Jan van Eyck called “The Double Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife” was made in 1434. During this time period, artists were allowed more flexibility in what they were to produce; and they took advantage of it by exploring new themes and techniques (Mckay). The man in this piece, Giovanni Arnolfini, earned the right to have himself and his wife painted by Eyck instead of inheriting it (Stokstad, Cothren 293). This was not a normal practice during that time. Arnolfini’s wealth and connections put him in the position to have this painting done (Stokstad, Cothren 293). This fact shows how social structure worked back then. Most people would have to inherit this honor. Instead, he bought the right to have this done. Another detail that sticks out in this portrait is the sense of religious implementation. Eyck added several things to the painting which added sacred meaning. The crystal prayer beads hanging next to the mirror show the couple’s piety (Stokstad, Cothren 293). The mirror hanging on the wall is also a symbol as well. It is said that it is a symbol of the all-seeing eye of God (Stokstad, Cothren 293). The figure of St. Margaret carved at the top of a post of the chair beside the bed is another relig... ... middle of paper ... ... easier for him to paint a little more freely than Eyck. Although both of these pieces are a double portrait, they are very different in many ways. It would be interesting to see what kind of work they both would have completed if they had the freedom to paint as freely as we can today. Unfortunately, we will never get to see this take place. Works Cited Stokstad, Marylin, and Michael Cothren. Art a Brief History. Pearson, 2012. Collia-Suzuki, Gina. "Arte-Facts." 'Arte-Facts' Gina Collia-Suzuki, 09 May 2011. Web. 03 Apr. 2014. Mckay, Brett, and Kate Mckay. "The Basics of Art: The Renaissance." The Art of Manliness RSS. The Art of Manliness, 16 July 2010. Web. 03 Apr. 2014. Philadelphia Museum of Art - School & Teachers : Teacher Resources." Philadelphia Museum of Art - School & Teachers : Teacher Resources. Philadelphia Museum of Art, n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2014.

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