Symbols in Van Eyck's Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife - Essay Example

Painted in 1434, Van Eycks Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife is one of the best-preserved and most complex pieces of art in Western history. On a very obvious level, the items painted in the room show that the subject was wealthy: the chandelier, the jewellery, the over-large mirror, the expensive carpet, and even the couples outfits are all subtle reminders of their social status. The fact that they were able to have a portrait commissioned is telling enough of their wealth in itself but is emphasized by the items scattered through the picture.

The placement of the subjects also reveals the rigid gender expectations of the fifteenth century. Whereas Arnolfini is standing next to the window, representing his role as the ambassador for the family, his wife is next to the bed. This symbol works on two levels: it reminds the viewer that she is restricted to home life, and also makes an implicit sexual suggestion – a suggestion which is made explicit when we consider her come hither eyes, and the fact that her appearance resembles that of a pregnant woman.

On the left-hand side, closer to the man, there are images of Christ's life, whereas the ones on the right portray Christ's death. This could also explain the disparity between the season (early summer, according to the presence of the tree) and the subjects winter clothing if the wife had died in the winter months.