In this video I will give a critique of The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck (National Gallery, London, UK), as a hyperrealist artist sees it.
Painted in 1434 by artist Jan van Eyck, the Arnolfini Portrait has some mysteriousness to it that art historians have been puzzling over for years.
Things like: Is the woman in the painting pregnant? How are the people in the reflection of the mirror? What do all of the objects around the room symbolise? Why is there only one candle in the candelabra?
Some of these questions I hope to answer in this video, along with what I think of the highly detailed piece from a hyperrealist/realist artist's point of view.
I hope you enjoy it. Let me know in the comments below if you'd like some more.

If you've read this far, I'll let you in on a little secret about this video: The script AND the voice were made with the help of AI !! The voice is an early version of a clone of my voice using Elevenlabs.io and most of the script was written by ChatGPT 4.0 and then edited by myself. Stay tuned for more that are sure to improve over time.

00:00 Introduction and about the Couple
00:27 Merchants in Bruges
00:39 Details showing the couple's wealth and status
01:10 The painting serves as a memorial? Hidden clues
01:51 What about it as a painting? Still life was not yet a thing
02:00 van Eyck's still life and symbolism
02:06 The symbolism of oranges
02:35 What do I think of his paintings?
03:00 David Hockney, lenses, and drawing aids?
03:30 van Eyck's attention to detail
04:14 What do you think? Let me know


Equipment and Materials I use:
Michael Harding Oil Paint - Lamp Black: https://amzn.to/3jQWHJ7
Arches 23x31cm 300GSM Cold Pressed Watercolour Paper - Natural White 12 Sheets: https://amzn.to/3djiKWw
Winsor & Newton Cotman round brush - size 4: https://amzn.to/33O8bHK
Winsor & Newton Series 999 16mm Cotman Synthetic Mop Brush: https://amzn.to/2GOH1rH
The Colour Book by David Lloyd: https://amzn.to/2SNGA3n

Jakar Assorted Grey Charcoal (box of 12): https://amzn.to/32P5aHg
Derwent Charcoal Drawing Pencils, Set of 6 with Sharpener: https://amzn.to/3eYpsjV
Generals Charcoal Drawing Pencils set: https://amzn.to/302AZKj
Winsor & Newton Tints A3 Pad - 6 Assorted Colours 24 Sheets: https://amzn.to/30KBLva
Frog Tape: https://amzn.to/3heKlbP
Tombo Mono Eraser 2 pack with refills: https://amzn.to/2ZmBa2J
'The Masters' Brush Cleaner and Preserver 1oz https://amzn.to/3c7SmhD
Zest It - Oil Paint Dilutant and Cleaner 250ml https://amzn.to/33AI7i9

My Printer - Canon iP8750 A3+ https://amzn.to/33pptcS
Continuous Ink System for Printer: https://bit.ly/3bTt1YP
HP Matte Photo Paper A3: https://amzn.to/3mhHe6r
Camera: Canon EOS M50 with 15-45mm lens: https://amzn.to/3kftZ4H
Camera Microphone: Rode VideoMicro: https://amzn.to/2FZpIn7
Desktop Microphone: SAMSON C01U Pro USB: https://amzn.to/35B4jvj
External Sound recorder: Tascam DR-40X 4-Track Recorder: https://amzn.to/35sQlvi

ALSO, FIND ME ON:
Website: http://www.tommulliner.com
Blog: http://www.designmobius.blogspot.com/
Instagram:   / tommulliner_art  
Facebook:   / tommullinerart  
Twitter:   / tommulliner_art  

DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for your support.

#learntodraw #charcoaldrawing #photorealism #realistart #londonartist #nationalgallery #janvaneyck