Jan van Eyck: 10 Key Facts from Oil Painting Myth to the Ghent Altarpiece Restoration
Jan van Eyck (1390–1441), a prominent Flemish artist from the Early Northern Renaissance, is celebrated for his exceptional technique and impact on Early Netherlandish art. He transformed oil painting by favoring oil over tempera and layering translucent paints. Van Eyck was among the pioneers in signing his artwork, often including his motto 'Als ich kan.' Approximately 20 pieces are credited to him, with the Ghent Altarpiece being a notable example, commissioned by Jodocus Vijdts and Elisabeth Borluut. He held the position of court painter for Philip the Good of Burgundy. Currently, Belgium's Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage is restoring the Ghent Altarpiece, a process that began in 2012, revealing that the original lamb had a more human-like visage.
Key facts
- Jan van Eyck lived from 1390 to 1441 and was a key artist of the Early Northern Renaissance.
- Giorgio Vasari claimed Van Eyck invented oil painting, but this is a myth; however, Van Eyck perfected oil painting techniques.
- Van Eyck signed his paintings with 'JOHANNES DE EYCK' and often added his motto 'Als ich kan' in Greek characters.
- Only about 20 works are attributed to Van Eyck, including signed and attributed pieces.
- Van Eyck was a master of portraiture, with works like the Arnolfini Portrait (1434) and Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?) (1433).
- He worked as a court painter and diplomat for Philip the Good of Burgundy in Bruges.
- His works were known in Italy, with commissions from Genoese and Lucchese merchants.
- The Ghent Altarpiece is under restoration, with phases completed in 2016 and 2020, and the third phase ongoing at MSK Ghent.
- The restoration revealed the original lamb had a more human-like face, over-painted in the 16th century.
- Van Eyck's religious works predominantly feature the Virgin Mary.
Entities
Artists
- Jan van Eyck
- Giorgio Vasari
- Hubert van Eyck
- Lambert van Eyck
- Robert Campin
- Rogier van der Weyden
Institutions
- Groeningemuseum
- National Gallery, London
- Louvre
- Museo Civico d'Arte Antica
- Muzeul National Brukenthal
- Saint Bavo Cathedral
- Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage
- Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) Ghent
- BRAFA Art Fair
- Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Locations
- Bruges
- Belgium
- London
- UK
- Paris
- France
- Turin
- Italy
- Ghent
- Tournai
- Sibiu
- Romania
- Madrid
- Spain