5 most famous paintings by Renaissance artist Jan van Eyck

Jan van Eyck, one of the most famous artists of the Renaissance period, and often called the pioneer of the Northern Renaissance was an exceptional painter who served under a King and a Duke in his lifetime. He had his expertise in oil painting, creating engaging panel art, his portraits, and of course, the way he added a touch of feeling to the whole creation. His paintings seemed almost real, as if captured with a camera and then rpinted on a canvas, and this realism delighted people through and through. Here we mention the 5 most famous paintings by van Eyck.

One of the most beautiful and larger-than-life paintings by Eyck is ‘The Ghent Altarpiece’. It is a multi-panel painting (12 panels in total) that shows scenes from the Annunciation when it is closed in soft, subtle colours, and when the panels are opened it reveals bright and beautiful paintings of biblical scenes. The central figure in the painting is a Lamb that is believed to be a symbol of Christ, and he is surrounded by figures, angels, prophets, and others too. There is also a depiction of Adam and Eve on either side. (Image: nicoledinhdesign/Instagram)

A painting that is often said to be a self-portrait of Jan van Eyck is this one, but one cannot say for sure. This one shows a man looking directly at the viewer with a confident and somewhat enigmatic expression, and on his head is a red turban, wrapped around carefully on his head, and the red really pops out in comparison to the other elements that are rather sober and minimal. (Image: dinahovhannisyan/Instagram)

Another famous painting by Eyck is ‘The Arnolfini Portrait’. The main character of this painting is said to be Giovanni Arnolfini, a wealthy merchant, and his wife in a domestic setting. The couple is seen standing together with the woman is a long, flowy dress, and the man dressed sharply in a long coat and hat, and they hold hands while posing for the portrait. Another highlight of this painting is the mirror-like decor element in the back and the soft, earthy tones of the furniture.

(Image: art_leaked/Instagram)

Another amazing self-portrait by Eyck is ‘Portrait of a Man with a Blue Chaperon’. In this one, Eyck beautifully showed a still man, with his expressions calm and lifelike, and the small details in his face and hands bringing together a beautiful portrait. As evident in the name the portrait shows a man wearing a blue hood-like cap, called a Chaperon’ and in his hand is a small ring, shining a silver glow in the dark background and clothes. (Image: arthistoryfeed/Instagram)

One of Eyck’s most personal and beautiful works is this portrait of his wife Margaret, and this one is often hailed as his most intense, yet minimal works. Margaret is dressed in a bright red dress with a distinct green tie around her waist and is wearing a unique headgear that is white and cream in colour. Her eyes look at the audience, although not directly, but in a slight tilt, and her hands are carefully kept in front of her. The background is dark and dim, but Margaret’s dress and her beautiful headpiece bring a sense of bright energy to the whole creation.

(Image: Instagram)