Early Netherlands school

Flemish painter who perfected the newly developed technique of oil painting.

Van Eyck’s realism was creative in an almost hubristic way, for its object was to suggest God’s perceptions in creating the universe: to see things from the standpoint of absolute knowledge which is uniquely God’s possession.
To me: 15th century mystical hyperrealism!

The Arnolfini Portrait (1434, National Gallery, London)
(note the ‘primitive’ linear perspective! and the mirror)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_van_Eyck
http://www.wga.hu/support/viewer/z.html

[re: Mar 03 20:52 Victoria Franciosa] It is fun to note that for marriages in Europe the presence of a priest (and at least 2 witnesses) is a "novelty", required only after the Council of Trent (1563)! Before that the couple themselve, was responsible for performing the wedding! at home! Vows could be a simple as e.g. "Will you marry me?" "I will." ... So this painting might depict the 'real' ceremony itself!? I think witnesses were only 'used' when there was a social discrepancy between the spouse (You need a witness when there might be trust problems! - e.g for an accident or a duel!), indicating that the bride might have come from a poorer background!? Also note that the white wedding dress was made popular by Anne of Brittany in 1499. Before (and for quite some time after) that, a woman just wore her best dress.

this "marriage certificate" is unique in all it's symbolism. Each and every element to this painting is a story in itself. The dog represents fertility, the shoes to the side - the bare feet, both represent the fact that this is a holy union on holy ground (repeated in King Narmar's pallet , among several other paintings and sculptures). The single candle aflame represents the divinity of Christ. The mirror of the apostles again represents the holy unity. In the mirror you will find Van Eyck in a self portrait painting this scene, as to prophetess the fact that he was witness to the union, thus, reinforcing the marriage certificate. Also, what is more so interesting of this painting is the fact that the bride is shown to be pregnant, when, in fact, this is argued that it is simply the fashion of the time. This woman is not pregnant, however, the bedchamber curtain is open, showing that they are about to enter and will consummate the marriage. ...