One aspect of this lecture that I found particularly interesting was the notion of “disguised symbolism” – particularly notable in Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait.” I think that the very concept of having cultural symbolism deliberately embedded in art shows how important art is to gleaning human history. Additionally, it shows how a large breadth of information – including contemporary marriage customs, religious symbolism, and attire – can be contained within a single, relatively small painting.
We discussed ten different hidden symbols in the portrait, including the fruit on the windowsill, shoes on the floor, and the singular candle burning in the chandelier. I wonder if there is still more symbolism in the piece that we did not get a chance to discuss.