Jan Van Eyck – Artwork & Bio of the Dutch Painter

Jan Van Eyck was a Dutch painter born in 1390 in Maaseyck, Maastricht. Jan’s older siblings were painters, and he received his first art lessons from his older brother Hubert. His first works were book illustrations that won him recognition from notable persons. In the early-1420s, Van Eyck became the court painter to John of Bavaria.

Impressed by Van Eyck’s devotion and ability, Philip the Good appointed him as his court painter after John of Bavaria’s death in 1425. Van Eyck earned the monarch’s trust and went on several journeys for him. He held a lofty position and received hefty wages in addition to the commissions he got commercially.

During his later years, Van Eyck focused primarily on portraiture and was contracted severally by wealthy individuals. His mastery of the art of depictions helped in achieving financial success during this period. In 1431, Van Eyck purchased a house in Bruges and got married. The marriage bore the fruit of ten children.

In 1436, Van Eyck went on his last recorded secret journey for Duke Philip. Van Eyck died on 9 January 1441, leaving a lasting legacy of creating masterpieces and pioneering art in the Netherlands.

What was Jan Van Eyck Known For?

Jan Van Eyck was known mainly for painting portraits for wealthy individuals. Jan became one of the first artists to switch from egg tempera to oil paints, which he mastered. Van Eyck showed his expertise through the accuracy of details in his works and the transitioning of color areas. He is also renowned for his involvement in the naturalism style’s development.

What Art Movement was Jan Van Eyck Associated With?

Jan Van Eyck was associated with Realism and Renaissance art movements.

Jan Van Eyck Artwork

Below are some of the artworks of Jan Van Eyck

Adoration of the Lamb

The Prophet Zacharias and the Angel Gabriel

Donor and St. John the Baptist

Lucca Madonna

Madonna at the Fountain

Saint Barbara

St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata

St. Jerome in his Study

Annunciation

The Arnolfini Portrait

The Birth of John the Baptist

The Crucifixion and Last Judgement Diptych

The Fountain of Life

Portrait of a Man with a Blue Chaperon

The Offerings of Cain and Abel

Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele

All Jan Van Eyck Artwork on Artchive