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What Is The Focal Point Of The Arnolfini Wedding Portrait

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In the Arnolfini Wedding Portrait by Jan Van Eyck, (1434, oil on wood, 82.2 cm x 60 cm, National Gallery, London) a wealthy merchant is depicted taking an oath, presumably to marriage, while embracing the hand of an elegantly dressed woman. Portrayed from a balanced, one-point perspective, the viewer feels as if they are present in the room with the couple. A cleverly placed mirror gives the room depth while enhancing the sense of realism by reflecting and illuminating the vibrant colors and people in the space. Jan Van Eyck’s complex painting uses rich detail and symbolism to imply the significance of material wealth and a marriage union.
The Arnolifini is as a relatively small, vertical portrait. A man and women frame the foreground, with …show more content…

Light coming in from the window is diffused and casts a faint, natural glow creating shadows around the oranges and the sandals sitting on the floor. The sandals are realistically detailed to the point where Jan Van Eyck has included wear and tear onto them. The eye is drawn to the female figure because of her vibrantly colored dress, which is a sharp contrast to the bright red bedding. Her outfit is a symbol of wealth and it would be fair to say she is the main focal point of the painting because that is the first thing the eye catches. The color of the dress and the excessive amount of fabric, as well as the assumption that the fabric is velvet or silk, signify their wealth. The application of detail on the bottom of the dress and gold cuffs also express the extravagance of the outfit. The male outfit, though not as vibrant, contains colors that would have been extremely hard and expensive to produce. Both figures have realistically painted fur placed around their necks and armholes. The attention to detail, texture and the vibrant colors give this canvas a realistic feeling, while the clothing and material items accurately represent their status in

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