Jan van Eyck

Flemish painter Jan van Eyck (c.1390-1441) perfected oil painting techniques that brought unprecedented realism to Early Northern Renaissance art. His minutely detailed depictions of surface effects, natural light, and material textures had never been achieved before. Van Eyck's ability to manipulate translucent oil glazes created luminous effects that revolutionized painting. The Ghent Altarpiece and Arnolfini Portrait demonstrate his supreme mastery.

Already a master with workshop assistants by 1422, van Eyck served as court painter to John III the Pitiless before joining Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in 1425. He was exceptionally well paid; his salary doubled twice in his first years and was often supplemented by bonuses. Van Eyck was the only 15th-century Netherlandish painter to sign his panels, often with his motto "ALS ICH KAN" (As I Can), a pun on his name. The Arnolfini Portrait's convex mirror reflects two figures entering the room, possibly including van Eyck himself, with his prominent signature reading "Jan van Eyck was here." The National Gallery in London holds the Arnolfini Portrait, while the Ghent Altarpiece remains at Saint Bavo's Cathedral.