Question

The Arnolfini Portrait was created by Jan van Eyck during the Early Northern Renaissance in 1450 C.E. What materials were used to create this artwork?

1) Oil paint on oak panel.
2) Modest scale.
3) Symmetrical, densely packed composition.
4) Thin layers of translucent paint called glazes.
5) Soft light, shadow, and meticulous detail.
6) Intuitive perspective, diminution, and converging diagonal lines.

Answer 1

The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck used oil paint on an oak panel and is notable for its glazed layers, meticulous detail, and intuitive use of perspective.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Arnolfini Portrait is a significant artwork from the Early Northern Renaissance, painted by Jan van Eyck in 1434. The materials used in its creation include oil paint on an oak panel. This painting is renowned for its use of translucent paint layers, also known as glazes, which brought a new depth and realism to the colors of the painting. Van Eyck's fine attention to detail and his ability to imitate textures such as metal, fur, and wood are quite evident in this masterpiece.

Additionally, the subtle use of light and shadow contributes to the meticulous detail and soft light seen in the portrait. Though not listed in the question, the composition of the Arnolfini Portrait explores intuitive perspective, with converging diagonal lines that add a sense of space and depth to the work.