Chapter 1
The oil painting revolution
Chapter 2
The secrets of the Ghent Altarpiece
Chapter 3
Decoding the Arnolfini Portrait
Chapter 4
The court diplomat and lasting legacy
YOUR GOAL
Master of How Jan van Eyck tricked the world with paint
Ch 4 · The court diplomat and lasting legacy
andy Jan van Eyck's Diplomatic Role
He sailed to Lisbon on a secret quest— (oh yeah!) To paint the princess and negotiate the rest— (yeah, the rest!)
andy His mastery of light and texture influenced Florence and Venice masters, including Antonello da Messina, to adopt oil
Fun Fact
The royal salary: The Duke of Burgundy loved Van Eyck's work so much that he paid him six times a typical court painter's salary.
Glossary
diplomat (noun)
An official representing a country abroad, typically engaged in international diplomacy and negotiations. In 1428, Jan van Eyck traveled to Portugal to negotiate a royal marriage for Philip the Good.
An official representing a country abroad, typically engaged in international diplomacy and negotiations. In 1428, Jan van Eyck traveled to Portugal to negotiate a royal marriage for Philip the Good.
Quiz
Why did Jan van Eyck not have to follow the strict rules of the painters' guild in Bruges?
Quiz
What artistic focus distinguished Jan van Eyck's Northern Renaissance style from the Italian Renaissance?
Quiz
In which city did Jan van Eyck buy a house, marry his wife Margaret, and spend his final years?
Quiz
Which Italian painter is famously believed to have traveled north to learn Van Eyck's oil secrets?
Quiz
What court title did Jan van Eyck hold under the Duke of Burgundy, indicating high social status?
Quiz
To which country was Jan van Eyck sent in 1428 to paint a portrait of a princess for a marriage proposal?