Final answer:
The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck is an oil painting from 1434 depicting the Italian merchant Giovanni Arnolfini and his wife, exemplifying Northern Renaissance humanism and van Eyck's innovation in oil painting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Arnolfini Portrait is a famous oil painting by Northern Renaissance artist Jan van Eyck. Dated to 1434, this work is housed at the National Gallery in London and is believed to depict the Italian merchant Giovanni Arnolfini and his wife, standing together in their home in Bruges. Notably, the painting includes a Latin inscription on the frame, which translates to "Jan van Eyck was here 1434," attesting to the artist's presence at the time of its creation. The portrait reflects the humanistic interest of the Renaissance in the depiction of wealthy citizens and their domestic life, while also showcasing van Eyck's mastery of oil paint, a medium he helped to pioneer.
Jan van Eyck is also known for his significant religious work, such as the Ghent Altarpiece, completed in 1432. However, the Arnolfini Portrait stands out for its secular subject matter and detailed representation of contemporary fashion and domesticity of the period.