Dr Kat and the Arnolfini Portrait

[@TheJennick13]

My mom has been a professional seamstress for as long as i can remember( her side-job on top of teaching 1st grade) & in the mid-80's she had a art history grad student contact her to help this chick with her final project for her degree- they had to choose one of their favorite pieces of art to recreate & present w explanation of their interpretation of the piece. As you can probably guess, my mom actually worked w this gal for several months dissecting the green dress the woman is wearing in the Arnolfini portrait & making as close a copy as possible, using much guesswork & experimentation in the same way they did on the Amber Bouchard program-- the dress wound up costing quite a bit of money for the materials & mom's time spent in the research, pattern fabrication, production of the several layers involved in properly reproducing every component involved- from the underwear out! They worked for months, I remember her coming back after her presentation & receiving her final grade: of course she had the highest grade in her class!! I didn't know back then how important this project mom worked on really was, she did a fantastic job on it & I'm still extremely proud of her!!

[@user-ep9lh8fl7q]

I would stare for hours at this painting in an art book we owned as a child. All the brilliant colors and fascinating folds in the fabric! Thank you for taking me back to some happy childhood memories. :)

[@paninodimortadella]

Arnolfini was Italian, there are few old folk traditions in Italy about brooms still in place: giving a broom as a Christmas gift it’s a symbol of good luck and represents the goodbye to the past and welcoming of the new (regeneration); if hanged behind the door, it’s meant to keep the evil spirits away (protection). I thought to do a little research to see where these traditions are coming from and I found few interesting information. It symbolically used to represent “purification”, it was associated to women and fertility (even in the north of Europe) and their role in the household. In a marriage it was used to wish good luck and abundance. It was also necessary to use them to wipe every corner of the house after somebody’s death to let the soul go. There are other things I found but I don’t think they are particularly meaningful in this context.

[@kateh2007]

I've spent many hours staring at this in London, it's one of my myriad favourites lol!!! I know which world leader he reminds me of, eek. The detail is fabulously intricate, such breathtaking talent. I love the mirror, rosary and the dog (fido) in particular. The picture is all the more fascinating because we don't know exactly what it represents. Although there is no mistaking the fact that the Arnolfini were cloth merchants, the liberal use of various material and fur is overwhelmingly obvious imho. Thankyou for your insight Dr Kat. It's brilliant and gives us food for thought as ever. Stay safe xx

[@michaelmorris3821]

IF this is a posthumous portrait of the woman (a believable hypothesis, whether true or not) the guttered candle over the woman and the lit candle over the man would be perfectly understandable and wonderfully symbolic. On a more mundane level, we discovered your channel only recently, and I shall be quite sorry when we've caught up and can only watch one new episode a week.

[@Goddessofvets16]

I'm so glad you chose to highlight this painting. 38 years ago I began college as an art major. My Art professor described the iconology almost identical to what you explained. He didn't know the couple at all, but told us it was a wedding "contract". The dog was loyalty and faithfulness. The mirror was the eye of God watching over. The single candle the light of God. The woman's dress meant her willingness to bare many children. The guests were explained to be the witnesses. The fruit, a symbol of a fruitful marriage and life together. I always loved iconology and it was this painting that started that love. Thank you so much for presenting it! Liz

[@JoRiver11]

As I was looking at the image of this painting, I had this thought that it is both a memorial to his deceased wife and the metaphorical room wherein his memory of her resides. A few things made me think this: The idealised interior (the physical materials and the implied presence of god), the warm clothing worn in the summer (if we play along with the notion that outside the door is the real world), something odd about the mirror - as though it somehow implies an alternate reality, and his shoes by the door which are very much of the material world and are soiled.

[@redforrori]

I've never even considered the "who" in this painting, because the incredible attention to detail captivates me so much. Just the reflection of the prayer beads on the wall as the light shines through them...not to mention everything else. Gobsmackingly, fantastically beautiful.

[@alyxbearman4090]

Thank you so much for talking about this portrait! I've been fascinated since I discovered it, and have been reading a bit about it but I learned SO much from your discussion on it. I think the interpretation of it as a memorial portrait carries weight, especially if you interpret the symbols of life and death on the left and right sides respectively (the lit and unlit candle, the death of Christ on the mirror being on Constanza's side and his life on Giovanni's side, for example). Also you're so right about noticing something new every time, I'd never seen the red pair of shoes until this video! The medieval "Van Eyk woz ere" makes me laugh every time 😂 Thanks again for all your research, I really enjoyed this video!

[@inspirationalvideos1966]

A wonderful commentary, thank you. This painting is an old friend. I first viewed it as a 20 year old on my first visit to London. Now, in my late 50s, and a permanent resident in the capital, l have looked over this masterpiece more times than l can remember. It still dazzles me as it did all those years ago!

[@JeanieD]

I’ve always been fascinated by this painting. As to the morganatic marriage theory, I wonder if one would be memorialized in such a manner. I can’t recall ever seeing one portrayed in painting. I tend to agree that this is a memorial image of Giovanni’s first wife.

[@ReadingthePast]

That's a great point, why show off a morganatic marriage?

[@christopherbrown2706]

@@ReadingthePast to show that the morganatic spouse was there, and was loved... the same reason Franz Ferdinand posed for photos with his morganatic wife and morganatic children

[@mangot589]

Me too. I’m not into art at ALL. But I find this one oddly compelling.

[@Marianneduetje]

I have been binge watching all your vlogs for the last two days! So much information, I love it! On the fruits: I think these might be peaches. Certainly the fruit in the window sill looks more like that. I seem to remember having read in an article about the rich merchant families in the Netherlands at that time, it was fashionable to grow fruits agains the sun-catching walls of the garden. It was seen as an achievement and a hobby at the time. The article concerned the merchants as patrons of poets and writers such as Vondel and Brederode.

[@YT4Me57]

I read the article...YES! 🤣🤣🤣 The recreation of the dress was fascinating also. What strikes me about the portrait is the expressions on the faces of the subjects. They seem to lend weight to the theory that it a memorial portrait to his late wife. The couple don't seem to be in the same realm. His gaze is straight forward and quite sad. Hers is downcast and seems far away, as if this world has little pull on her. Yet the slight touch of their hands indicate a connection that transcends time and death itself. The symbols of spirituality in the room are like a reminder of resurrection and life eternal for those who rely on the promises of God. Oh well, it's just an idea.

[@lakelili]

Thanks for providing more insight into the picture. I loved Amber Butchart and Ninya Mikhaila recreation of this dress, so its a favourite. They discuss in detail the way that the dress is worn and the fabric carried and recreate it. I enjoyed learning more about the furnishing - would love that chandelier!

[@sandrasmith9617]

That chandelier is a work of art.

[@darklymoonlit]

What a fantastic addition to my morning! Even if I'm now back to longing for more episodes of A Stitch in Time...

[@CaitlinSk]

I absolutely love how each part of paintings like these had some sort of meaning

[@virginiasoskin9082]

We studied this painting in an art history class. We were told that it was a visual marriage certificate or document. We were told that the dog symbolizes domesticity. You also hit upon many details I had either forgotten about or weren't told about. I want to hit the article you include and read more. Yes, van Eyck signed it. Very similar to Michelangelo, who, when finished carving The Pieta, chiseled on Mary's sash, "Michelangelo Buonnaroti made this." Chutzpah and pride -- he must have been bustin' his buttons with pride at how The Pieta turned out. Kind of like an early brand or logo! Van Eyck's signature may have been more on the order of a witness signature to this marriage. I always loved the way he included us, the viewers, in this painting by painting us in the mirror. To me it looks like a man and woman, but who they might be is a mystery to me anyway....they are us, I guess. I watched the vid on creating a copy of the dress, which was incredibly detailed. All the clothing would have weighed quite a bit, but in a dank and poorly heated house, at least the woman was warm! I suspect that in a Holland city with lots of canals or near bays or the sea, the houses would have been cold and very damp. The wooden clogs prevented expensive fabric shoes with leather soles from becoming wet and caked with mud and dung -- streets were very dirty and filthy in the olden days. Even NYC at the turn of the century there was still so much horse dung ground into the cobbles that often there was no place to cart it off to, it was so thick and the smell must have been horrible, esp. in summer. WHEW! One reason women's skirts eventually were raised from trailing on the ground to ankle high was to keep the dresses cleaner and prevent them from dragging germs and filth into houses, and that was fairly recent, 1900+.....

[@dawnvickerstaff9148]

I am always curious about the motives of the people who downvote videos as well produced and informative as this one. I thoroughly enjoyed your analysis. This painting has fascinated me for nearly all my life. I tend to think of it as a memorial. As evidence I also looked at the hands. His is raised. Is it a vow or is it an arresting gesture 'please don't go'? While hers is sliding backward out of his grasp. Is that a look of sad regret and resignation on her face? He does not look at her. His eyes slide from her as if he doesn't really see her. I know this is a solemn event that is portrayed here. It always made me cry.

[@wijnantann]

As an historian, I thoroughly enjoy your channel. I wrote a paper about this painting :) Being Flemish I travelled the world to see the (what we call them) Flemish primitives. It's odd to me that the English community is calling these painters "Early Netherlandish painters", in other languages they are referred to as Flemish. Every time I'm in London I go visit the National Gallery. When you have the opportunity you can always visit Flanders where we have many treasures painted by Van Eyck and his brother, not in the least "Het Lam Gods" in Ghent. Rogier van der Weyden is also a favorite for me. Wishing you all the best and keep up the good work! Kind regards, Ann

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Dr. Kat, I absolutely love this topic, and your discussion of this intriguing portrait (I always bypass your videos on gruesome subjects like torture, between COVID 19 and rioting against racial injustice and brutality, life here in the US is gruesome enough). This, I think, is the type of subject that benefits most from your considerable intellect and extensive education. Every time I study this painting, I observe different things in it and think different thoughts about it. My current impression of the situation portrayed in it is that it is, in fact, a memorial portrait of a beloved, deceased young wife. First, I think if it were a betrothal or marriage ceremony, the woman’s hair would be uncovered, and this lady is shown wearing the indoor head-dress of a wealthy married woman. Second, although betrothal ceremonies were mostly done in the private homes of the bride or groom’s family, or in that of a relative, I think more witnesses would likely be present, usually at least the parents of both the bride and groom, if not the extended families, god-parents, patrons and maybe a few friends of each family. Also, a priest would be present at a marriage ceremony, and possibly at a betrothal (it’s difficult to see the figures reflected in the mirror, but neither stands out as a priest). Third, marriages were usually conducted at the door of a church (often that of the bride’s parish), even for the high-born, with a nuptial mass inside the church after, followed by a wedding breakfast of some sort at (usually) the bride’s home. Fourth, the raised right hand of the groom is not, as far as I know, associated with either troth-plighting or wedding ceremonies, but with oak-taking, and the bride does not reciprocate the gesture. So, the portrait doesn’t seem to fit either a betrothal, wedding, or a celebration afterward. Another, but I think slight, possibility is that the scene portrayed might be that of a proxy (betrothal or wedding) ceremony, which were much more common then (even my Dutch great-grandparents were married by proxy, as is remembered by the descendants of the proxy groom) and that the oath-taking shown in the portrait was to swear that the man was in fact the authorized proxy. However, I have no historical knowledge to back that up. I think the single lighted candle simply follows the common, not very formal, practice of lighting a candle in memory of a lost loved one. I don’t think the presence of the bed is all that significant; to our modern eyes it seems so, but it should be remembered that the bed was the most expensive, and usually the only comfortable, item of furniture in the home, and was displayed in the best chamber. Beds were used as the sofas of those times, with residents receiving visitors of all sorts all through the day while sitting or reclining upon them. Continued...

[@lc4011]

Fascinating detail and I am especially fascinated by the convex mirror

[@flannerypedley840]

I was introduced to this painting when at school in 1978, and have always loved the mystery and the detail. I've had the pleasure of seeing it when in London. It is captivating.

[@GEReyn]

Mirror reflection: I see what looks like a midwife, holding two swaddled infant heads. There are so many references to pregnancy/birth/death. So, perhaps, what the story painting is telling us is that there was a difficult birth ending with the death of three loved ones, and this is their memorial.

[@ReadingthePast]

That's a really interesting view on what's going on in the mirror, I hadn't thought or heard of this idea before, thank you!

[@AerikaEngel15]

I'd never seen that before! But I can see a woman in blue, holding black cloth.. with a man in red behind (maybe the artiest) Super interesting

[@GEReyn]

I could not stop seeing swaddled babies, so I searched for another view of the painting: www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/early-europe-and-colonial-americas/renaissance-art-europe-ap/v/van-eyck-portrait-of-giovanni-arnolfini-and-his-wife-1434 (at approx. 2:15) I still see two tiny figures (who may be in christening gowns) in the arms of the woman (midwife/family member), a man standing in the doorway plus a 2nd man, who appears to be kneeling or bending to kneel. Both he and the possible midwife seem to have their heads bowed, as if praying. Could the 2nd man be a priest? From his signature, I'm now thinking it may be van Eyck standing in the background. This was fun. Thanks for the art discussion.

[@counter10r]

@@GEReyn if you watch the video on the National Gallery website page for the painting, you get an excellent detail view of the figures in the mirror, and I think it's more clearly a male figure in a red houppelande and a red tall-crowned hat. It's definitely male because you can just make out three legs in hose. I had thought that perhaps the face of the figure in blue seemed skull-like (perhaps hinting at the idea of a memorial painting), but in the detail shot, one can see both figures' faces are similarly rendered--it's just the looseness of the very small detail that gave the skeletal impression at a lower resolution.

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@GEReyn Thank you very much for the reference address. I went to the site and heard what they thought of it. Wonderful to be able to see how people interpret the same things different ways.

[@wendygerrish4964]

Wow. Brilliant observations. The candle burning next to the one that is burnt out is telling the story perhaps.

[@TheHappyHijaabi]

I love this painting. I had always presumed that the man's raised right hand was as representing some form of blessing, of a benediction. Re the woman's dress, and the way it appears to make her seem pregnant, I thought that, for the "higher classes" at the time, this was a general, fashionable style that the women looked "fertile". Dr Kat, I'm really enjoying these mini lectures that you are producing. I love history, particularly the C15th, and C16th. I live in Sheffield, Yorkshire, where Mary Queen of Scots spent 14 of her 22 years imprisonment, under the watch of George Talbot. So this part of the C16th in particular fascinates me. I look forward to watching more of your informative, and thought-provoking mini lectures. Thank you so much l. :)

[@TheSuzberry]

Waldemar Januszczek has analyzed this portrait from an art history perspective as a Wedding Portrait. He describes the fabrics and the sources. He does not conjecture on the meanings of candles or furniture placement, etc. When very little, if any, documentation exists it is easy to project into a painting our own meaning. It is stunningly beautiful, that’s enough for me.

[@janesmith2153]

I've watched that a couple of times. I always enjoy his work! Entertaining and amusing as well as very informative.

[@HilaryElizabeth9]

I've recently seen another video on this and came back here to re-watch your take on this piece a few times. I'm basically now obsessed w/the Arnolfini. I DO think she is pregnant and that this was a memorial to his first wife. Maaaaaaybe you could take her dress to be fashion of the time, I could maybe buy that, but the very purposeful placement of her hand protectively on her belly is significant. It's not a photo where a random movement was captured, Van Eyck did this for a reason. As a mother and having experienced pregnancy, the fierceness of meaning when a hand is over one's pregnant belly is unmistakable. Not sure if this vid was in your before times, but if it was, does that change your mind as to her state of pregnancy? I think everything points to this being a memorial and future lost. The fruit at the window, not near her or the bed. The single candle. Why depict one single candle? Again, purposeful. The thing that makes my jaw drop the most is the mirror and all the Jesus discs. It's truly unbelievable. I'm really taken with the shoes and the muck on his, which I hadn't noticed in previous vids on this. Perhaps he just came from burying her. And the other two ppl in the mirror... Dying to know who they are. So that's my current take. It's an amazing work, and your analysis, despite my disagreement on her state of pregnancy, is very meaningful.

[@facetedperspectives9950]

Have loved this painting forever‼️Your narrative captures so many of the fine details I always marveled at. When I was in high school, we didn’t get into the subtle messages that are in every painting. Teacher’s lesson times are pretty full, but discussions about subtleties is intriguing to students. When I taught, I remembered this from my experience and when we had time; would bring an art piece into a lesson for chat. It was always engaging to the kids. They are quite insightful when given a chance to express their thoughts. Thank you. I really enjoyed your analysis of this great work. Stay safe‼️👊🏽

[@marieduran6286]

I find that not only was the painting richly detailed, but it was richly embedded with symbolism that gave the painting a strong story that was told in layers. With each layer a different scene. Like a novel, each chapter is more deeper in detail and the plot thickens, so is with this painting. It told a story of it's time (even though the people remain unknown) and told of their lives and how they lived it.

[@Kasamira]

I love this video, the amount of detail that went into every aspect of the dress and your analysis of it, was so much fun to watch

[@Sharmelle586]

Thank you for reviewing the Arnolfini Portrait. I've always liked the portrait but knew next to nothing about it. I became a subscriber a few weeks ago and I'm slowly going through your videos. I do like how you have additional references in your description boxes, as you do in this one with A Stitch in Time and the Guardian article (and I think the man in the portrait reminds me a bit of Adam Driver). Suggestions for future videos: the Great London Fire of 1666; the Codex Gigas; the process of illuminating manuscripts; review of The Lion in Winter; Tudor knot gardens; the Jane Bostocke sampler.

[@henrynagelberg]

The notion that this is a memorial portrait, and the woman depicted is a ghost, is supported by art historian, Margaret L. Koster, among others. It's the most sensible explanation at this moment. The provenance of the painting is just as fascinating as the work itself, and I can highly recommend "Girl in a Green Gown" by Carola Hicks. Also a ghost, as she passed away just before publication of her book. Thank you, Dr Kat, wherever you are. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@marastuff9256]

What strikes me when gong through all the details is, that the whole picture just completely changes when you imagine that any part weren't there. The picture wouldn't work in the same way if the Curtains weren't there or if they weren't red. Even the brush in the background forms the picture. Everything is were it needs to bee and you couldn't imagine it without any certain detail.

[@susanhazard632]

I've been curious about this painting for years. Thank you for the in-depth explanation of symbolism. I also just realized the abundance of cloth in her dress, inhibiting her movements, is another device to cloister women in the home. A woman that is allowed freedom in public can possibly become impregnated by a male other than her legal husband or guardian, therefore compromising the inheritance of wealth. It's a condition women in wealth bearing relationships have endured for thousands of years. Think of the Chinese binding the feet of women, inhibiting their movements, restricting them to their home. Or actually corralling women into harems.

[@cl5470]

I think the use of red in the painting also points to the idea of a memorial painting for a woman who died in childbirth. The first hint of red is on the fruit on the left by the window. Fruit is a symbol for fertility, even early pregnancy because of the association with seed. The red seems to almost fan out or, one could see it as "bleeding" across the painting. The bed is enormous and could be seen as a symbol of death in childbirth. I also find it touching that the red elements in the room seem to be objects that the wife would have spent the most time with. Her slippers, her favorite spot to lounge and the luxurious bed they shared are all blood red reminders to her husband of a life cut short. I can see why people make this association. It all adds up. Even in a life of wealth, luxury and finery, death is woven into every corner, just like it is for anyone else. Art is so interesting.

[@AerikaEngel15]

I Love how fully researched and articulate you are! Thank you for making the past few months sooo much better, I think I've watched every single video you've made :)

[@AerikaEngel15]

Wondering.. are there any awesome black people you could highlight from the early modern era?? Or maybe explain how their lives were during this period of time? I'd love to know :)

[@SF-ru3lp]

Hi Dr Kat, I really enjoyed your talk and assembled research. I did a "double take" when you described the beads hanging to the left of the mirror as rosary beads... The Rosary is divided up into five decades/ ten Hail Mary's (divided by an Our Father). Each prayer is recited while one holds the particular bead so its distinguishing feature is the 5 sets of ten beads. The whole prayer begins an ends with the Cross signified by a small crucifix, the whole rosary beads being joined in a closed loop. The 'Arnolfini beads' are visibly and totally different. I see a string (or double string? ) of Pearl's with a tassel on either end. I read the items behind the figures as follows: the sweeping brush and bed behind the lady signify domesticity and childrearing, the open window and pearls behind the man signify his working / travelling in the world and the bringing back of valuable merchandise. Never thought I would have anything to offer to the discussion! Best regards. Geor (Ire)

[@ReadingthePast]

It is very different from the contemporary rosary that we are familiar with, in many ways it’s the precursor - it would have been called a set of paternoster beads - some would therefore recognise it as a type of rosary today, while others would see it as a cousin. That being said, some argue that the item hanging from the Arnolfini wall is a belt (I don’t agree) 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

You did a nice job of covering the salient points. Hypothesizing about art is always a perilous activity. I have always contended that the artist speaks directly to the viewer without the help of the narrator. This man's face tells you everything you need to know about the purpose of the picture. His look is wistful and haunted, and he is not looking at this beloved. Her look is other worldly and distant.

[@tinabarber5422]

I love listening to this, I find it fascinating looking at the clues within a picture that give a potential insight into lives of the people featured.

[@calendarpage]

I went to a little parish school back in the late 60's. Our 'arts program' was a little booklet with paintings in black and white and selected poetry. I've always remembered learning about the painting, and many of the points you raised were brought out in the lesson even back then. As an adult, I was excited to come upon the original as I casually walked through the National Gallery. I was happy to learn even more about this painting from your excellent video.

[@janvan113]

Another awesome video Dr. Kat! I personally know nothing about art, Historical or otherwise. Nevertheless, I had my eyes glued to the screen for the entire video, absolutely fascinated to learn about things I have never seen before. Unlike some of your viewers who have experience with and knowledge about this piece, it is new to me. The painting is so beautiful and the detail is mind boggling!

[@TuckerSP2011]

When I was in high school, an analysis of this painting was my assignment. I never forgot all of the symbolism in this painting. Of course at 13 years of age I could not provide any other explanation except as I had read in text books and the encyclopedia. I think it is a legal document to ratify the marriage of this couple. I never felt it was post mortem. Thank you for your very interesting analysis.

[@lalei63]

I was told the same in an art appreciation class. And the proof that the wedding was witness was in the reflection of the artist in the mirror.

[@gwinniboots]

A beautiful and skilful painting with layers of meaning and a central mystery of the people portrayed. A very interesting investigation thank you.

[@debbiemitchell4583]

I only expected to learn about history topics. Thank you for showing me how to look at art with a different eye.

[@MichaelAndersxq28guy]

I first saw the Arnolfini Portrait as life size three dimensional wax figures at Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, California in 1971 during a class field trip (Yes, I'm ancient. lol). I was in awe of the detail and opulence, not realizing the intrigues about its variety of possible stories. Thank you for helping me revisit a pleasant memory.

[@khryssibarna2865]

that was so interesting. ive never thought to look at a painting in such depth, but that was fascinating

[@nabuffum]

Love the thorough analysis of this painting. Looking forward to more.

[@SAGHAJAR]

Thanks it was very informative, I had never heard of Morganatic Marriage.

[@MsRiverdee]

That was the most extensive discussion of this piece I have ever heard. A fascinating picture, I love it!

[@margaretkerr4591]

Brilliant video. I just found a new you tuber - Hildegarde blingin. She translates modern songs into medievil songs - its amazing! I'm so glad I found your channel Dr kat. My friends don't get my history geek side. And I can't talk to anyone about my anger at Shakespeare awful interpretation of Richard the 3rd. Mags x

[@gobonniego]

Margaret Kerr: I like the Dr Kat channel too. My friends don’t understand my geeky side and Richard III is my hero (and that propagandist Shakespeare, whoever he was, certainly isn’t). Are you sure you’re not my sister? Would certainly make more sense than my current sister. Trying to find the new KZbinr you mentioned, but KZbin just takes me to the nun. Argh.

[@lolajl]

@@gobonniego Hildegard von Blingin' is the name of the channel. Here's the link - kzbin.info/door/J_jwWjf8u5mdtac71Be8QA

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@gobonniego Actually the nun was quite fascinating I thought. Thank God she went into a convent. Intelligence was frowned upon in women at the time. She could easily have been burned at the stake or hung depending on what country it happened in. And, yes I have heard the music and subscribed!

[@dianapatterson1559]

Thank you for this. You have added more tiny facts for inquiry. The one thing I may be able to add is that I worked a good deal on dyes and pigments, and madder is a pretty rosy pink compared with this red, which is why cochineal became an instant hit when it was imported. This painting appears to portray a scarlet, not a very strong pink, so I am going to suggest madder is not a source. Of course I bow to those more knowledgeable.

[@howarddeangelis384]

Thank you. You opened my eyes to many facts that I never even noticed. Very informative.

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

Actually this portrait always reminded me of myself! Thank you so much for this, even though I do not feel qualified to have much of an opinion about the portrait. From your description one thought comes to mind, namely that some of the content is ironic. Namely, that the wife's seeming subservience is only for show. Something about how complex the composition is, about the presence of others, about the dog with its knowing expression, the prominence of blues in the background characters (mirroring the bride), just suggests to me personally a hint of a more realistic power dynamic between some very wealthy, powerful indiividuals.

[@Sparkles12340]

I adore this painting, it’s absolutely fascinating. I have it framed at the top of the stairs and say good morning to them everyday 🧡

[@babybutchie]

What a wonderful analysis of this captivating picture!

[@TheKoolbraider]

Out of the paintings I studied in college this portrait is the absolutely my favorite. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!!! This was almost 50 years ago and we weren't taught anything about this being a posthumous portrait, a common thought today. The difference between northern and southern paintings is a wide one. The southern works tended to reflect the warm sunlight, so the colors pop. Northern works were more subdued. Van Gogh's while still northern, are an age apart from the Arnofini. Sorry, starting to ramble here.

[@kathywebber3959]

Thank you Dr. Kat for this fascinating discussion. I’ve always found this painting very intriguing . It’s especially nice to hear your description when so many of us are shut out of museum going during the pandemic. I live near Washington, D.C. and look forward to visiting the National Gallery there again. So many of the paintings are like old friends.

[@namelia4439]

The details in the rug, chandelier, and mirror are amazing!!

[@lizhart81]

I find this painting endlessly fascinating. The tiny realistic details such as the dirt on the galoshes paired with the possibly completely imagined face of the woman (if she was in fact deceased at the time of painting) is an interesting juxtaposition to me.

[@carolmccormack2381]

Dr Kat I stumbled across your chanel yesterday whilst in bed not well (not covid related). Now working may way through them all. Thank you so much

[@christinayoung3293]

This was an absolutely wonderful analysis. I hope you do more like this!

[@toddbonin6926]

Dr. Kat, you are fascinating! I saw this portrait at the National Gallery on my trip to London several years ago. Unfortunately I didn’t have your wealth of knowledge in order to appreciate it. Thank you for sharing this! I learned so much. I loved this painting before, but now I feel connected to it. Please teach us about other paintings. Thank you again!

[@cheesy_ground_beef]

I had to learn about this painting in art school, and I've only just now noticed the red clogs, the sculpture of the saint, and the cherry tree in the window. Guess you really do see something new every time!

[@flowermeerkat6827]

Thank you for this video. It is one of my favorite paintings.

[@sarahferguson0]

I love his work. The detail and beautiful colors. This one in particular had always fascinated me. I think you've done a wonderful job of describing this portrait. I know it so well i was able to close my eyes and just listen to your descriptions. Thank you for such an in depth look at my favorite of his works.

[@debvance7413]

Fascinating.....the symbolism, the talent, the questions.

[@juliairzyk]

WOW! THIS MADE MY DAY, THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH! I am always available to help with tech issues!

[@grayace4556]

Darn you! I'm bingeing on this channel's content and having a good time. I need to sleep at night and not binge watch this channel! LOL! Keep doing fantastic work!

[@MrButch-ls8vl]

It is a favorite painting of mine. A masterpiece. It is full of symbolism and hidden meanings - something that makes it so interesting to us nearly 600 years after it was painted. However, I see something in it that many overlook because we are distracted by all the symbols and mystery of the work: it is a portrait of two people in love. I always get the feeling that the wealthy merchant really cared for this young attractive woman and for her part she is pleased to be wed to a man she loves. They do not smile is the broad garish and ostentatious way (with bared teeth) we do in the 20th and 21st Centuries ... but in a quiet and knowing way. They are both intelligent people. There is love in this relationship not merely convenience or duty.

[@kimaparis]

You're so good! Happy to have found your channel!

[@kathleenstrittmatter6895]

Congratulations from New Jersey, USA. What a wonderful surprise.♥️♥️♥️

[@msheridan4828]

Your conclusion seems to agree with the other video I watched on the Arnolfini portrait. This was good, thanks.

[@romanaruknuzzaman1400]

so interesting,Dr.Kat.most enjoyable analysis.I have been most interested in this portrait since i saw in a bookof art ,in my teens.Thank you.

[@aephraums]

I do love the wooden protective platform shoes with mud and muck along the edge .... for me a sign that they are elevated above the mud and muck others endure.

[@ZosoHacker]

Beautiful painting. We studied it at art college back in 1981. We were told it was the first (if not one of the first) oil paintings. Jan Van Eyck and his brother were the ones who first experimented with it. Not sure how accurate that is. It's wonderful to see in real life. While you're there, check out Richard Dadd's Fairy Fellers Master Stroke.

[@surlygirly1926]

Just discovered this channel via your analysis of Anne of Cleves ... my interest in the Tudor period melding into an even keener interest in art history. Subscribed - and can't wait to start bingeing! Thank you.

[@ladyliberty417]

Thanks Dr. Kat I don’t think I can add to all the interesting comments I’m reading except to say that I’m glad we can still speculate On objects and people in this painting, it’s always been so cryptic- and now I can’t get Putin out of my head, ha!! ✌🏼🥰

[@kieranbyfield6358]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! One of my favourite portraits & thank you for your excellent information.

[@Handicrafti]

Freshman art history me from other a decade ago feels validated when you said that he signed it "in the back." I had a foreign teacher for art history and we studied this painting. On a test, he asked where it was signed. I said in the back. He marked it wrong. We had a debate about the difference between "in the back" and "on the back (which would have been wrong)." I was still marked wrong even though I still say I had the right answer and it was a translation issue between me and him

[@lindabrown0]

Someone (a teacher) tried teaching me art appreciation. After watching Dr. Kat, I know I didn't learn a thing (lol). I didn't see most of what she saw in this painting until she pointed it out. Very interesting.

[@bridgetdavis9752]

This was the first time that I noticed the lion's face at the bottom of the chandelier. This painting continues to amaze me. Thank you, well done, as always. :)

[@boqueronbecky6977]

That was very enjoyable. I love learning the history and symbolism in paintings. Keep up the good work!

[@anonz975]

Like others I think it is a memorial portrait in honor of his first wife. I am no history/art expert, but black represented mourning during that time period. On her side is a bed in red quote: "Red is the color of Pentecost and symbolizes the Holy Spirit. During the Medieval period it represented the blood of Christian martyrs". Possibly it implies she will rest in her grave until the resurrection while he must go into the outside world, however he vows to always love her and be devoted to her memory. The fruit/fertility symbols would seem in bad taste for a memorial except for the fact they are all on HIS side, and outside or nearly outside implying he must leave their marriage chamber and go into the outside world where he will have children/heirs/love etc... If this were a wedding portrait I would expect the fertility symbols to be on her side or shared between them. Plus his dirty overshoes point towards the outside world, whereas hers are in the back of the room as if she is going to retire. The prayer beads are also on his side along with the single candle likely saying he must keep faith.

[@brucebellinger9783]

Thank you for a fascinating and informative video. There is a paucity of such caliber videos like your's on KZbin. Thank you again.

[@Mezza]

Great video, I always find it so magical how each time I look at this piece of art I can see something entirely new. I do think my favourite part is that dog, it just seems to SEE you as a viewer. I’m not sure what I think the story is behind this picture, the woman seems to be depicted so heavenly and almost angelic whereas he seems to be tired and saddened.

[@helenangus1675]

A truly informative session it will make me look more intently at the art I enjoy and look at. Thank you Dr Kat.

[@terryolsson4145]

I love your channel. I love history and art and you cover it superbly. Integrating fact with hypothesis. Keep them coming and thank you so much. I look for intelligent mind expanding topics and you do it so well with flair.

[@jaycorwin1625]

I loved this! Thanks for your thoughtful, informative and fascinating commentary.

[@nomfundomdluli1544]

Hie Dr Kat😀. im so so glad u mentioned A Stitch in Time by Amber Butchard which ive watched and enjoyed but i like your analysis of this painting more bcoz u go into more detail behind the symbolism and religious beliefs and practices in the 15th century. Thank you so much fr ur videos I've come to appreciate and maybe be a little obsessed with English history bcoz of ur videos bcoz of ur patient and engaging presentation. #NewSubbie 😍😄 I wanted to ask, in those times would the portrait artist be responsible for all the placement of the symbolic items in the portrait or the clients would give explicit instructions to the artist and continually consult to see if the artist was following instructions?

[@maryblaylock6545]

I think this is an excellent question!

[@jaybee4118]

I’m not an expert, I might be wrong, but, as I understand it the client would ask for a remembrance painting or whatever and the artist would insert the widely understood and known symbolism. When you don’t have easily printed words, and a population that mostly can’t read and have no need to read anyway, then symbolism becomes the language used. I’m sure some clients were specific though. They’re probably among the less successful painting would be my guess and lost to time!

[@joseffinat966]

Ja ja ,nou een huwelijk is niet altijd een rooskleurige verbondenheid, dat bleek al gauw toen in die tijd dacht ik ,ik ga nooit dat bootje in dus gewoon zo samenleven, mijn toenmalige man ( ik woonde toen al alleen had al een huisje gekocht best knus en had al verkering zoals dat heet , maar hij kreeg ruzie met zijn ouders en stond op een avond met een doosje met sokken en onderbroeken voor mijn deur nou was ik daar niet helemaal charmeert ervan maar afijn buiten laten staan was toen ook geen optie, ( maar ja eigelijk had ik natuurlijk wel een optie ) op zich was hij best lief kon veel met hem lol hebben ,had ook best een goeie baan, en van beroep was hij etaleur ( later werd hij teleur😅) want hij deed wat radio werk en DJ en werd steeds populairder erin ( en dat gaf ook gratis alcohol op het werk in het weekeinde,afijn ik werd zwanger maar aan trouwen dacht ik niet maar mijn moeder Katholiek zij van dat het niet goed was voor het kind en zo gingen wij dan toch dat bootje in dat ging ook wel goed tot zoverre ,maar een baby vroeg veel aandacht daar was hij jaloers op eerst dacht ik heb ik het goed gehoord en ja ik had het goed gehoord ,de bemoeienis van hem naar het kind was minimaal niet in bad of verschonen van luiers opeens was het huisje niet meer goed( mijn ouders woonden te dichtbij vond hij en maar bovenal zijn vader het was te min, dus verhuisden wij naar een andere ( maar even terug naar de aankoop van het huis moest ik nog toestemming hebben van de ouders had ook een goede baan maar nog niet de leeftijd waarop je een huis kon kopen maar ik wel dus op zich was ik vrij zelfstandig had ook mijn eigen paard Ramona heette zij moest verkocht worden omdat ik zwanger werd en niemand van ons kon paardrijden maar stilstaan was geen optie dus werd het verkocht een Engels volbloed schofthoogte 169 maar vele waren je het ook niet gegund in de buurt waar je toen woonde was van ( wat een kapsones) een dochter van een zuiplap zo ging dat ,maar de zwangerschap verliep goed en was stapel gek op dat mannetje een echte zoet mannetje die weinig huilde soms dacht ik hij zal toch niet doodliggen kijk in zijn wieg was hij wakker en als hij je zag was het een en al een big smile,heb wat afgelebberd op dat jong hij kon ook zo lekker slap liggen van het lachen en ik ook ,vaak gedacht nu moet je ophouden met gek doen want hij moest soms zo lachen dat hij de hik kreeg ,nee geen minuut spijt ervan dat ik hem kreeg ,wist ook gelijk dat het een jongetje zou zijn kon zelfs zeggen hoe hij eruit kon zien een echte pop ( en nu een prop 😅) maar huwelijk duurde negen jaar en toen was het klaar want de alcohol en geen binding wat zijn zoon betrof was wel de doorslag want je had niet een kind maar twee en heb wel het een en ander meegemaakt kun je een boek vol schrijven maar zelfs na de scheiding bleef hij ook daarna je niet met rust te laten maar dat is weer een boek vol en ik wil het niet meer oprakelen maar geloof maar dat ik moest vechten om mijn zoon te behouden tot aan de kinderrechters aan toe geprocedeerd ,kinderbescherming maar die zagen het ook wel dat het gedonder van zijn kant kwam ( hij kon en wilde je niet loslaten ) zelfs jaren daarna kon ik nog telefoon krijgen als je jarig was of mijn zoon altijd belde hij nog jaren daarna ,en ja dan moet ik aan die band van Arnolfini denken want je samenvoegt kun je niet uit elkaar trekken ( een kind) maar inmiddels is hij al jaren terug overleden en ben ik opnieuw terug hertrouwd in 1992 dus dat zijn al weer jaren maar wij zijn uit elkaar gegroeid wonen samen als broer en zus dus ook geen succes verhaal ieder leeft voor zich en nu zie ik of zag een kwiebus die ik niet eens persoonlijk ken maar die ik niet een twee drie kan vergeten en dat snap ik helemaal niet van mijzelf maar dat zal wel moeten ik neem aan dat hij dacht het eerst niet maar dat hij net zo verplichtingen heeft en dat snap ik ook wel tenslotte hebben wij al een leeftijd bereikt dus geen jong mens maar de gevoelens veranderen niet,maar ik denk dat hij mij best lastig vind en komt ook uit een heel andere richting dan ik qua milieu dus daar maak ik mij geen illusies over maar hij werkt wel dusdanig op mijn gemoed als je die ziet lopen zijn plukkie haar maar zijn vertel kunst is al een kunst op zich denk ik,ik kan hele dagen naar hem luisteren over wat hij heeft gezien of meegemaakt zijn verleden maar ik zie ook een bezorgd gezicht zijn rimpels zijn ook gegroefd denk waar heb jij verdriet over of bedrukt hij doet zich vrolijker voor dan hij in werkelijk is hij komt humoristisch over zonder dat hij zelf lacht en dat zegt veel zou zo wel uren naast hem zitten gewoon tegen elkaar staren in de verte zonder mensen om je heen ,gewoon de tijd verlummelen ,maar dat is gewoon mijn fantasie,fantastisch ( wat kan fantasie / liefde ,raar met je omspringen maar dat zal het ram 🐏 teken wel zijn en dat op mijn leeftijd ( en die zeg ik niet 🤭

[@crystalgaydos623]

I have always loved this painting. I have always wanted to know how old was the artist. Did this man have mentors who taught him to take his talent and ability to his art what would his part be worth at the time. What would it be at this time? The lamp is on its own incredible the details are amazing.

[@easjer]

I loved that episode of A Stitch in Time (well all of them, really!) but that was such an interesting deep dive into the wealth represented by the dress and I adore that you've referenced it. Fascinating overview of the painting.

[@blissgirl9052]

A perfect way to spend my lunch. I love this work of art and adored the Sitch In Time episode. Thank you for further exploring such a great piece.

[@user-ey3lu6lt9x]

Just now watched this. Fascinating. I wonder what else the prominent hand placements might mean. Him: Right hand signaling (to modern eyes) No. Her: A protective left hand over her belly. And then the submissive, open palm position of her other hand. So much to speculate on! Thank you.

[@annstillwell730]

Got to love his hat. Thats a statement piece even to day. Love the colors of her dress.

[@louise-yo7kz]

Exquisite

[@Anita-rq9ev]

Thank you so much for solving the problem with the sound. I can hear you now much better. Please keep up the good work😀

[@ibidthefrog]

The book 'the girl in a green gown' about the portrait points out the husband is wearing the latest fashion while the wife is dressed in slightly old fashioned attire. Perhaps it is a memorial and it was what she wore for her wedding?

[@clairepancerz9744]

I love this painting, and was interested to hear your theories about it. It was a pleasure to scrutinize it so closely. Now I believe I’m in agreement with the portrait as a memorial of a life that could have been, but ended in death (it was the figures in the mirror that did it for me). Another great video, Dr. Kat! Thanks for helping my brain vibrate with some knowledge, as opposed to reality TV. 😉

[@Danielle-mg5lf]

That there’s a third person in the reflection/room wearing blue. Keeps standing out to me that and the writing on the wall. LoL, thank you so much. I absolutely love this portrait now, how symbolic yet realistic and your explaining was awesome 😎! 1st time here glad I did! Subscribed!

[@jennhill8708]

One thing about red: madder tends to be an orange red, while cochineal tends to the blue side of red. It's all very much fun to see what works & how local water may affect the color. Lovely rabbit hole to travel down. ☺

[@AndYourLittleDog]

This painting has haunted me since my Art History 101 days in the ‘90’s. So glad you featured it. Can you imagine how many squirrels went into the making of her dress’ miniver lining? Also, I think it is Constanza because the candle above her is extinguished. AmBer Bouchard did a fascinating recreating of the green dress in her BBC series A Stitch in Time that I think you’d enjoy.