Inspired by Jan van Eyck

Jan Van Eyck was a painter belonging to the early Netherlandish and early Northern Renaissance artistic movements who spent his life in Bruges in the service of Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy. Van Eyck grew close with his duchy patron. The two shared a friendship that existed beyond Van Eyck's employment. The duke was even called upon as the godfather to one of Van Eyck's children. As court painter, he was highly regarded by Philip and undertook a number of diplomatic visits abroad, including to Lisbon in 1428 to explore the possibility of a marriage with Isabella of Portugal by painting her portrait. 

In Van Eyck's earlier works, the Gothic style is visible. Further on in his career, we see a divergence towards a greater emphasis on naturalism and realism present within his art. Van Eyck's technique is synonymous with his grasp of oil painting. Some art historians have even given him the title of inventor of oil painting however whilst his affiliation for the technique is comprehensive, his reputation as originator of the practice remains in doubt.

Jan Van Eyck conveyed what he perceived as a coexistence of the spiritual and material worlds by using iconographic symbols subtly integrated into his works. As a notable figure of early Flemish art, Van Eyck's legacy exists in his ability to expose the viewer to an experience of spiritual revelation whilst never making the task appear too laborious or righteous. Artists today still seek inspiration in Van Eyck's use of oil paint as well as his subject matter and naturalist air of transforming a subject matter. On Artsper, discover the works of some brilliant contemporary artists who are inspired by the style of the pioneer: lose yourself in the fantastic compositions of names such as Viktor Horiaiev, Erwann Tirilly and Emilie Serris that too are inspired by worlds beyond our own...