image DAY 324 ALL IN THE FAMILY

Jan van Eyck (1390-1441)

PROFILES IN ART DAY

 

Flemish artist Jan van Eyck did not invent oil painting, as he has often been credited, but he was one of the medium’s earliest and most accomplished users. His command of the technique and his ability to render subjects, textures, patinas, and sheens with staggering realism led not only to his reputation as a great artist, but also to distinguished appointments, privileges, success, and wealth.

 

Archival documentation suggests that van Eyck’s year of birth was about 1390 and that he was from Maaseik in Limburg, Belgium. Van Eyck had at least two brothers, Lambert ...

Get The Daily Book of Art now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.