Van Eyck - Arnolfini and His Bride

Giovanni Arnolfini and His Bride is a piece that has a great deal of symbolism along with legal function. Done in 1434, it was done with oil on wood and is actually only 2'8" by 1'11". The piece was a wedding portait and displays Van Eycks love of detail. Details such as hair had to be done with a single hair brush. First this work shows Arnolfini's wealth, being a silk merchant. He wears a fur …

…patron saint of child birth and is yet another example of fertility. The dog is important because in latin Fido means faithful/loyal. The fruit is rippening by the window and the fruit all bares seeds, agian fertility symbolism. They are bare foot to show respect for the ceremony. Along with the religous episodes around the mirror and the rosary beads to the left. This is definitely a respectfully religous and serious work of function