Blog Assignment 2

The artists, Hubert and Jan van Eyck have a great showcase of the naturalism element in their art and also use extreme detail and expression within the subject of their art. Persons, plants, and animals are realistically rendered and contain apparent detail within their natural existence. In the Ghent Altarpiece, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, naturalism is evident in many ways. In the lower piece of the triptych, the landscaped scene is continuously running horizontally through the panels as if each are not separated by a frame. The stance of the horses on the textured ground faces the direction of the cloak-draped people kneeling before the mystic lamb. The way the folds of the clothes appear so realistic, is truly amazing. Another feature of the work is the use of atmospheric aerial perspective. The image in the background appears further away, making it seem real to the viewing eye. This element can also be seen in Jan van Eyck's, Double Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his wife, Giovanna Cenami. In this portrait, the couple is facing forward in what resembles a bedroom. What is great about this portrait is the fine detail that is not apparent to the naked eye. The light shining in from the window provides natural illumination in the background. The man is positioned closest to the window showing his place in society, the worldliest of the male. The woman is placed on the interior side of the image, emphasizing her place is in the home. This can be interpreted as a sign of her duty as the domestic partner. Both are elements of the natural order of the day at that time in history. The couple is larger, they are placed in the foreground of the scene. Behind the center figures is a candelabra and a mirror, both appearing smaller in proportion to subjects in the foreground. Inside the mirror, are two images, which is said to be witnessed to the betrothal of the couple. Such a small details create big impacts in support of the realism of this dedicated work.