What stood out to me in this lecture was the art technique of grisaille. I find it very interesting how Renaissance artists almost made it possible to create a multi-media-like artwork that incorporates so many elements of antiquity. Additionally, by adding sculptures to the painting, Jan Van Eyck adds another layer of naturalism to the piece by incorporating something that adds depth to the painting and plays with the viewer’s perception of whether this is an altarpiece or something from real life.
Furthermore, something else that I found interesting about Jan Van Eyck is his rendering of Eve in the painting. I was surprised to learn that Eve’s more plump belly was in tune with the beauty standard of the time. However, I find it interesting that this misconception happens more than once in Jan Van Eyck’s paintings. I first encountered this misconception in his painting, The Arnolfini Portrait where the female also looks pregnant. This makes me wonder if this was Van Eyck’s preferred way of depicting female subjects or the desires of his patrons? I haven’t encountered this misconception with other artists, so I’d be interested in learning if this is specific to Jan Van Eyck.