Renaissance Paintings

I would have to say the Arnolfini by Jan van Eyck is my favorite Renaissance painting. It is one of the earliest portraits or paintings that included depth such as 3D figures and very precise detail to other variations such as reflections and lighting. The reason why it is my favorite is just that alone. It is a very simple painting, yet the details are amazing. Most people do not know the name of of this painting but will recognize it when they see it. Another reason as to why this painting is amazing is also because of the unique way that the artist Johannes was able to incorporate his own personal touches to the scene without disturbing the rest of the picture. I personally find this often difficult to contribute to something that is already perfect. What I am speaking of is the way that the artist was able to incorporate his own name along with the date into a decoration in the wall. Finally, I would have to say that this is one of the greatest paintings because of the fact that all of the work is done on a flat 2D surface with paint.

This painting is a portrait of Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and his wife in a room, presumably in their home in the Flemish city of Bruges. It is one of the most original and complex paintings in Western art history, and in particular is, together with his Ghent Altarpiece, the oldest very famous painting in oils, signed and dated by Van Eyck in 1434. It is in the National Gallery in London, which acquired it in 1842. (Wikipedia).