The artwork titled “The Arnolfini Wedding. Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife Giovanna Cenami (The Arnolfini Marriage)” is an oil painting on panel created by Jan van Eyck in 1434. This Northern Renaissance portrait, with dimensions of 83.7 by 57 cm, is a part of “The Arnolfini Marriage” series and is housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork vividly depicts a solemn moment between Giovanni Arnolfini and his wife, Giovanna Cenami, set in an opulent interior. Giovanni is seen adorned in a voluminous, fur-trimmed robe and a distinctive hat, solemnly raising his right hand. Giovanna, dressed in a rich green gown with blue accents, stands to his right, her left hand delicately resting on her womb, symbolizing fertility and domesticity. They clasp hands in a gesture of unity, perhaps signifying marriage vows or an important personal moment.
In the background, a convex mirror with detailed miniature scenes reflects the couple as well as two other figures, showcasing Van Eyck’s masterful use of perspective and reflection. The chandelier above them and the meticulously rendered household items, including wooden clogs, fruit, and a small dog at their feet, provide symbolic references to their domestic life and status. The inscription above the mirror reveals Van Eyck’s signature, underscoring his pride in this elaborate and intimate portrayal of mid-15th-century bourgeois life.
