Ian van Eyck Essay -- essays research papers

Jan van Eyck was a master in style and symbolism, establishing a firm superiority in glaze technique and delicately and elaborately applying subtle, yet powerful religious references to what at first glance may seem simple portraits.Van Eycks drawing, nonpareil Barbara, completed in 1437, is an example of the artists use of fictional exotic or Romanesque style structures, suggestive of those from the Old Testament. (p.99 textbook) Other symbolism includes the walled urban center that resembles a ziggurat, and on the church, the three windows on the second level, feature the Trinity, the symbolism of their octagonal structure, and baptism.Use of religious symbolism can be traced in early(a) Van Eyck works. Madonna in the Church, a panel dating to around 1437-38, uses light to represent bloody shames purity and purpose. She is the brightness of imperishable light and the unspotted mirror of Gods majesty. This was a passage from the Book of Wisdom and can be found inscribed on Mar ys red dress. (p. 100) Additionally, due to the unusual size of Madonna in her setting, Van Eyck has represented Mary as the church, not simply in the church.Since Madonna and the Christ child in an ecclesiastical or domestic setting was a favorite theme of Van Eyck, it is possible to note a trend in his work. (p.102 textbook) Madonna and Child with Saints Michael and Catherine, a 1437 panel, depicts...