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To be honest I think the possibility of him spending every little coin he had to immortalize his beloved wife in the way she would most like to be remembered (as a wealthy, well dressed, beautiful woman) is a beautiful and heartwarming interpretation. Especially because Jan Van Eyck most definitely succeeded on that if that was the request from the grieving husband.

I first looked at it and thought, pretty colors but ugly dude. After watching this I now believe this is an incredibly detailed masterpiece and this is a man who misses his wife.

@genesisgonzalez8769

3 жыл бұрын

That's last part a man who missed his wife. Brought me to tears can you imagine the time he spent alone not only paint this incredibly detailed painting from his head but to also think of his wife in every stroke is just wow. No money in the world can pay off death.

@Phyrre56

2 жыл бұрын

My first impression was also "weird lookin dude." But I've come to learn that everyone Van Eyck painted looks sort of like that. In fact there's an art meme about identifying paintings that "If everyone, including the women, look like Vladimir Putin, it's Van Eyck." It was the 1400s, artists hadn't quite mastered realism yet.

@717pixels9

4 ай бұрын

If you need a 15 minuts video that explains you the details, is the piece of art any good? I think the great art should speak for itself

@Greatcountry37

3 ай бұрын

​@@717pixels9 it's immediately captivating, and just looking at it you can see the great effort to make it lifelike. But you can't just look at a painting and know its history. You may notice the snuffed out candle but probably won't realize, without learning it elsewhere, that it's probably there to signify that the woman is dead.

For a painting done in 1434, this painting is just incredible.

13:20 Man did you just say my dude painted the passion of the Christ with a single hair brush? My mind is reeling right now.

@grittykitty50

3 жыл бұрын

van Eyck was the MAN! He's one of my favorite artists due to his insane attention to detail and the fact that he wasn't painting an actual scene, but one that he created placing each element exactly as he wanted it.

@fashionkiller5052

2 жыл бұрын

I gasped out loud ! Half the size of your little fingernail How?!?!?

@piccalillipit9211

2 жыл бұрын

I have a painting on my wall by an English artist called "Howard". This one is not, but his best works are single hair brush and they are 8 feet by 5 feet... My uncle has a few of them, but he has the money to have a few of them LOL.

@alexgiles1561

2 жыл бұрын

I was blown away by that too. Incredible.

I found myself wowing a few times throughout the video at the painter's skill and detail, the couple's love and faithfulness, their humble flex in worldly riches, and the narrator's awesome editing and attention to detail.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great comment - and thanks for watching 🙏

@bobbiethomas73

3 жыл бұрын

Well put...humble flex lol

@cyninbend

2 жыл бұрын

My favorite detail is the chandelier--I forgot it was a painting for a second--it's that good!

@aseguradojaicel

2 жыл бұрын

Jan Van Eyck should travel in the future and explain this painting as HUMBLE FLEX! Love it!

@situated4

2 жыл бұрын

Humble flex. Oxymoron much?

I would like to convey my appreciation to you for doing this. Some of us were not lucky enough to have afforded such education, whether for lack of time, focus, or economic status. Either way, we thirst for beauty and knowledge despite our disadvantages. KZread’s fee of 14$ a month is the best use of my hard earned cash so far. It doesn’t come with parchment or accolades but it does have a wealth of treasures to relish in.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Dewey - thanks for the great compliment - I really appreciate it - more to come so keep watching! 🙏

@sashaamsterdam

3 жыл бұрын

It equally takes skill and poise to convey your appreciation so eloquently. Well done.

@jpc123ful

3 жыл бұрын

Dewey, I agree with you would add that this channel and others like it is proof the i-net is a wonderful learning tool.

@francesmmitchell

3 жыл бұрын

Good point well made!

@jessedubay5964

3 жыл бұрын

wait you have to pay for youtube?

Weirdly enough my favorite part of the painting are the beads. They're just SO lifelike, as if I could reach into the painting and grab them. I can feel them slipping through my fingers. My second favorite is the mirror, as it gives the entire painting this very eerie and trippy effect.

@TheNeeyang

2 жыл бұрын

Same!! The beads always tripped me out.

@situated4

2 жыл бұрын

We all know why you like the beads. No shame here.

This is fantastic! So much detail. Thank you for sharing your insight into this gorgeous painting.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment - I appreciate it!

I remember being a kid and staring at this painting in the Museum of Fine Art in Boston. It was just so weird and captivating. I hadn’t thought about it in years. Thank you for making this.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Great comment - thanks for watching 🙏

@michaeljohnangel6359

3 жыл бұрын

The painting is in the National Gallery in London. Was it on loan to Boston?

@pierrebegley2746

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaeljohnangel6359 I imagine so. It would be very easy to loan to given its conveniently small size.

@katherinemadera7197

2 жыл бұрын

.

@jeffcahill5722

2 жыл бұрын

@@pierrebegley2746 That conveniently small size make it all the more astonishing how detailed it is!

I saw this painting on loan at the National Gallery in London. It's much smaller than you expect, but no photo can communicate how mesmerising it is. It exerts almost this gravity-like pull on you-- even in a room with several dozen much bigger, more colourful Pre-Raphaelite masterworks, it draws you. It's like no other painting I've ever seen.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏 and for the comment

@genesisgonzalez8769

3 жыл бұрын

The fact it's small and compacts all of this details that can still be seen today is absolutely stunning

@johntechwriter

2 жыл бұрын

How about this? Every element of this portrait is part of a constellation of the many aspects of their life. All revolve around the painting's focal point: their joined hands, which in my opinion represent their love, which the artist has immortalized..

@johntechwriter

2 жыл бұрын

@@decimanightelf4135 To see paintings at this level of symbolic perfection you need to wait 400 years for Salvador Dali to come along.

Van Eyck and Bosch, in different ways, both seem so unlikely for their time period. I remember being so captivated by both painters at school, thinking they must be time travellers. There's something so modern about their work compared to that of their peers. It's trippy to discover a lot of the things we were taught about this painting in certain terms are at best debatable, most of all the shotgun wedding theory.

I've seen this painting for over 35 years and this is the first I've heard that this is a memorial. Fascinating! Everything packed into this small painting is there for a reason, so this makes real sense. Very well done!

Unused beds in your reception room is the 15th flex “Here’s my bed. Sleep on it? Why? Much too expensive for that.”

@CallieMasters5000

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like something from the Beverly Hillbillies when they served dinner on the pool table and used pool cues to pass the food because it was fancy but they had no idea about pool. 😂

Brilliant commentary. Outstanding painting on many levels as you so eloquently spoke about. Fascinating.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏 and thanks for watching!

If I had you as my own personal teacher growing up, I would have learned so much from you. Love you're voice, pace, inflections, and sound. Once again, well done!

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Oh thanks so much for the lovely comment! I really appreciate it. And thanks again for watching.

Fascinating explanation James. When watching these videos, I feel I am watching a BBC documentary ... except better! :)

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Wow that’s a real compliment! Thanks so much for watching!

@jeffcahill5722

2 жыл бұрын

@@GreatArtExplained The compliment is well deserved!

You sir, deserve 1 million views

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Here’s hoping! Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

Signs of wealth: deep hues, 2000 dead squirrels, and a bed in the reception area. Nearly 1000 years later, I am right there with you, having just placed a chandelier on my porch.

I'm just at the national gallery looking at this amazing piece of art as I listen to this video. Amazing experience

@GreatArtExplained

5 ай бұрын

That’s so good to hear! Thanks 🙏

I would like to emphasize how thankful I am of how you put your time into making this series on understanding these paintings. I always feel a kind of serene feeling of awe as I start each one of your videos and I believe it is because of the effort you exercise into bringing alive the essence of each masterwork. Thank you again for this wonderful content. 🙏🙌

@GreatArtExplained

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏

Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on KZread. I appreciate it! James

I remember when I first encountered this portrait. I was about 13. I could not stop staring at it and at the date. It seemed unbelievable that a picture of almost photographic quality, as it seemed to me, could be almost 550 years old. That fact alone took my breath away. The details are just so astonishing. The huge amount of information and careful analysis in this video takes my breath away anew. Thank you so much!

The attention to detail and mastery of lighting is breathtaking.

I was looking for exactly this - great works of art explained with depth and knowledge. How lucky that you just started doing this during covid! Thank you so much. Brilliantly done. Please keep them coming!

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for such a great comment! And thanks for watching!

The hidden symbolism are wonderful little secrets

That candle-detail made me say 'Oh..! Wait.. And she's.. Wow!' out loud. What an amazing painting - and from now on a quite sad one for me. Thank you so much for explaining this painting in such great detail.

My mind is simply blown away!! It’s indeed a masterpiece 👏🏻👏🏻 the amount of detailing is next level and at the medieval times too 🤯 the carpet ,the orange ,the freaking chandelier and you can even make out the fabric just by looking at this picture , it really is portal to another dimension.

This has been my favorite painting since I was 19....so, a very long time! I've always loved the elaborate detail and symbolism in it. Thank you for expounding on those things and enlightening us even more!

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching 🙏

Amazing video. I've known this painting for a long time and always thought it was a portrait of a marriage couple, however you managed to provide a very somber and reasonable meaning to it suggesting she was dead. What's funny is that I felt sorry for her death, although the irony is that both of them are already literally dead for centuries.

In my fine arts class in college I think we spent a collective 5-6 classes talking about this painting alone and the professor had to forcibly move onto the next subject. I’m glad to have found this video, very informative!

The mastery of these great works of art is just incredible, without advanced chemistry at the time, artists developed oil painting by mixing linseed oil and oil from nuts with diverse colors. This video was great, he meticulously dissected this piece of art in greatest detail.

Their body language speaks volumes. She is trying to make eye contact while refraining from holding his hand. He cannot look her in the eyes and his upright hand comes across as cold and marks the distance between them not only physically, but emotionally as well. On one hand (pardon the pun), it's as if he's trying to reach out to her, while on the other hand he is distancing himself. To me, it adds to the balance of the art piece. There are many symbols of wealth, but not too much. The couple seems trying to make an effort, but aren't on the same page. The space is balanced with light and dark color. Thanks for getting me thinking this morning, it makes me miss taking art classes in uni. Cheers!

As someone who is just getting exposed to western art, this masterpiece has to be one of my favourites so far. I really like how Van Eyck breaks the fourth wall by including us, the viewer, in the mirror. The mirror is the feature that appealed to me the most in the painting. The walls reflected in the mirror were curved, and the light was distributed so correctly. Tough to believe how a simple painting makes me go back in time to a faraway place. Thanks a ton for pointing out all the details.

the death theory kinda blew my mind. whether or not it's true. it makes us pay attention to things we might not have otherwise and just really deepens appreciation for this painting immensely. I have known this painting ever since my art college days, but failed to appreciate then what made it so significant. the more i know about it, the more i am delighted by how much it keeps giving. By the way i have been binging your videos for the past few hours; THANK YOU so much for making them!

That was absolutely amazing. Made me gasp as if I was watching a mystery movie

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏

The lil note on the wall made me chuckle reminds me of middle school days. Love to see even through his grieving and focus on his work he could still manage a lil chuckle in there. Art is just amazing.

How did Van Eyck manage to produce such minuscule details. He was a wizard.

I remember this painting being discussed by my Art 100 professor in University. I had forgotten most of the details, but it remains as fascinating then as it is now, thank you for the refresher course!

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thank for watching! 🙏

We studied this painting in a fashion history class. I knew it was a masterpiece but I never would’ve thought it was this deep.

wow, I'm impressed that you can tell so many things from this painting! And the details are stratospheric O_O

Who knew there was so much detail, symbolism, social status being conveyed by Van Eyck? Thanks for your description and analysis. The artist's craftsmanship and technique are extraordinary.

WOW I love this. I have never seen a painting with so much detail and message. Truly genius from Jan Van Eyck

I’m binge watching all your videos - they are simply superb. Please please continue to make more!

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great comment - I appreciate it. And thanks for watching! More to come.

My father has a collection of art books. This painting is depicted in one of them. As a kid, I used to stare at it for hours, fascinated by all the details. The mirror always impressed me the most. For me everything looked so real, I couldn't comprehend how it was painted, it just mesmerized me. Thank you for talking about it. As much as I loved to look at it, I never actually read anything about it, so I'm surprised to learn all those details. Thank you so much!!

Growing up, my family didn't have much for travel so I read many books. I was always stumped by the meaning of this painting. Now my education of this renowned painting is nearly complete. I'm saving money to travel and see it and many other works of art. Thank you so much for your amazing explanations.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

London is the place to be for art and most of our museums are free - just saw two lovely Van Gogh portraits here - hope you get to see them! Thanks for watching - james 🙏

@ChubbyAmadeusFan

3 жыл бұрын

@@GreatArtExplained Thanks for the tip. On my bucket list!

I *love* this channel - thank god I found it. I now feel so grateful that I live in London and can actually go see this work of art - a privilege that I haven't really been aware of until now. Thanks x

Everything in paintings is intentional. I really wish I could listen in to Jan Van Eyck talking with his patrons about the painting.

@grittykitty50

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I would LOVE to have been a fly on the wall during the entire process.

When I was young and first saw this painting, I thought the husband looked arrogant and possessive of his wife. But now many decades later, I see grief in his face, and a tenderness in the way he holds her hand, as if relinquishing it. I agree with the idea that he had this painted after the death of his wife who died still young. She is green and blue like springtime colors, and he is dressed all dark. A display of wealth but also a memorial.

Thanks, you've opened my eyes wider, great commentaries of outstanding paintings.

What a fantastic painting and explaining. Don’t stop making these

These shorts are simply wonderful, insightful and beautifully put together. Thank you.

A friend just referred me to this channel, and this old art history student is beyond thrilled. This painting was a key work studied in my undergrad days. I find the memorial aspect of it convincing, but I am wondering if perhaps Costanza could have died in childbirth? The "illusion" of pregnancy in her body and gown, and perhaps the little wooden carving of the woman on the chair could be St Margaret, patron saint of childbirth - who was said to have been swallowed by a dragon but she was (ahem) delivered from the dragon's belly. Gorgeous painting, wonderful commentary - can't wait to see the rest of the episodes!

Excellent job. Fascinating to learn all the historical details as well as the mourning theory. Art history at its best. Thanks.

I'm stunned at the information contained in this astonishing painting, and your excellent presentation as well...thank you

I can't believe how much detail you put into these! Incredible episode!

I just recently came across this channel and must say I am absolutely fascinated by the details and descriptions you give in explaining these beautiful pieces of art. I do hope you continue doing these as they are a wonderful art history resource for adults and children alike.

What a glorious painting, and James' knowledge and presentation was perfection.

This channel features outstanding work. Truly, truly fascinating, educational, inspiring. I am speechless, and grateful that I get to see this.

Incredible painting with outstanding video commentary. I am so fascinated by everything here. Thank you.

Fascinating! I recall theories about the man in black being a clergyman, noting that she is not pregnant, but little else. Your discussion is much more interesting, informative, and nuanced. You brought out so many things new to me. The bit about the shoes and the fabrics is so interesting. Thank you so much. I look forward to all your videos!

I have just discovered your channel and am now happily devouring your archive. After drinking this video in, I'm insanely curious about Van Eyck's almost supernatural eye for detail. More more more!

This site is so amazing! Thank you for opening my eyes. The art and history, just wonderful! 💜

The research that goes into your videos is astonishing, making your theory about this beautiful work utterly compelling. Game changing art history presentation!

Beautiful, insightful and enlightening commentary! The painting came to life with your words. Thank you for what you do. 🥰

Best channel on KZread IMO. Thank you for sharing your expertise and helping us appreciate the greatness in these pieces.

This was just FASCINATING. Incredibly magnificent.

Phenomenal work, thank you for all these magnificent episodes..

Such unbelievable talent! Mind-blown! Thank you for bringing life to this painting for us. THE best thing I've seen on KZread is this channel❤️

So beautiful explained! Also very touching with all the details that may sugest she passed away. Love your videos, once more, thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion for art!

Brilliant! Astonishing art painted by Jan Van Eyck and brilliantly narrated by James!

What a wonderful explanation of this painting. Thank you, so much!!

Your channel is my new favorite thing. At this moment, with mostly of museus closed and travel restrictions your content becomes even more important. Thank you for all you do

Fantastic video - thank you! I've always loved this painting, but you focused in on details I'd not noticed before. Thanks again - keep doing what you do 😁

Thank you so much for such a detailed exploration of this fascinating painting.

Wonderful treatise of this painting.You are truly a master at explaining it so thoroughly. What more can be said of your great interpretation. Thank you for a really great interpretation.

Whole my life I'm deeply convinced that art is the best teacher of history and have just discovered this wonderful channel. Thanks for the great work and explanation! Wish you every success in this project.

I have a framed print of the painting and have always admired the detail. It’s known to me as The Marriage of Arnolfini. Your video has enlightened me to so many more fascinating aspects of the painting.

Bravo! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us! I’ve learned so much...thank you!!!

Thank you for this! This is incredibly well done. I am so glad to have found you here.

Absolutely amazing! You've elevated this painting to one of my very favorites. I never understood what the fuss about it was. Now I do.

Thank you for your insight. I’m strangely drawn to this piece for some reason. Maybe it’s the details. The dress, the carpet! I can only draw stick figures myself, so I’m no art connoisseur, but I do enjoy looking at it.

What a brilliant series! Thank you so much for your expertise and beautiful presentation

Wonderful interpretation. I have always been intrigued by this painting. Thankyou!

How I adore re these videos!!!! Thank you so much for the information and the inspiration these stories about art, artists and their work and time periods give!

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Oh thank you so much 🙏

What a great description and analysis of this painting. I am reading Dorothy Dunnett's "Niccolò Rising" which is set in Bruges in 1459 and Arnolfini is one of the minor characters in the story. It's so much fun to layer this detailed explanation of the painting into the story. I look forward to diving into your series. Thank you for doing this!

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏

Wow, simply amazing and eloquent analysis of this painting in 15 minutes. Bravo, sir! 👏

Thank you so much for your entire series of art analysis! I am learning so much

I’m not an artist, but even I can tell his art is insanely impressive.

I just discovered your channel and it's 3:30 am here. I can't stop watching. Thank you for this. It is equally calming as it is insightful.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

What a lovely thing to say - thanks 🙏

I'm very familiar with this piece but your indepth anaylisis made me appreciate it even more. Thank you so much

Thank you SO MUCH for this ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL WORK my passion for painting and art grows stronger every time i see your videos.

Thank you, Mr. Payne. Your presentations are exquisite.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏

Another brilliant and eloquent analysis. Beautifully researched and explained. Thank you.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching, and the lovely comment!

Your channel is a treasure trove for appreciating great art... thank You

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Your narration and attention to detail has given me a whole new perspective. As someone who hasn't traveled much, I always wished to see these amazing paintings one day. For now, your videos are the way i see through them.

Wonderful! I saw it at the National Gallery and always wanted to know more - thank you!

This painting is breathtaking. Thank you for the analysis.

@GreatArtExplained

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching! 🙏

Breathtaking painting! And a wonderful analysis too, I enjoyed every moment of it!

Always love these videos. I become so totally absorbed by them. Great work as always!