Van Eyck

Wedding Portrait (The Arnolfini Marriage)

Fourth Grade Lesson Plan

Jan Van Eyck:  he was born in 1385 and lived until 1434; so how old was he when he died - 49?

He is considered the "mystery artist" because not much is on record (or known about his life - especially the yearly years.  Here are 10 facts about him:

1.  He was the most famous Flemish (which is in Belgium) artist from the 15th century meaning the 1400's - a long time ago (show map).

2.  He was credited with the greatest advances in art.

3.  He experimented first with oil paints - he added vinegar to thin the paint, then egg yok to thicken the paint, then applied several layers of glaze to create a look of light and "near and far".  He was the first painter to successfully use tempera paints.  Tempera paints are made by mixing the powdered color with egg yolk to thicken it up, it is the oldest type of paint ever used.

4.  He had a realistic style and paid major attention to detail.

5.  He always took a very long time painting - did not rush through it.

6.  He was a deeply religious man; most of the Flemish people were catholic so we can assume that he was of the Catholic religion.

7.  He painted Giovanni Arnolfini and his bride (point to the painting) two years before his death, he died at the age of 49.

Mystery Sacks  (Put the items in sacks and let the children draw them out; then explain)

 Shoes: The shoes of both Giovanni and his bride were removed, this symbolizes that they were on holy ground and also comfort in the marriage.

Dog: Fidelity that they will be faithful companions to each other.

Sun Glasses: Sunlight in the window, it was a good day to be married.

Orange: A symbol of conquering death and a long life together.

Candle: That the eye of God is watching the marriage.

Mirror: The reflection of the scene in the mirror, Van Eyck and his assistant are serving as witnesses, you can see their reflections in the mirror.

Broom: A symbol of household duties.

Glove: They are hand in hand, their promises to each other and marriage vows.

Baby: She has the look of pregnancy, this represents a hop for the marriage to be blessed with children. They looked at a child as a gift from God and hoped to have children quickly after they were married. The look of "pregnancy" in this picture is symbolic of the desire to have children bless the union.

Pen: Jan Van Eyck signed above the mirror "Jan Van Eyck was here" with the date

Piece of fur: notice the differences in springy dog hair, carved wood, fur in robes.

Oil: He liked to paint with oil paints.

Statue: As an artist he also gilded (made attractive) statues for the duke

Shakespeare: he created stage scenes for plays for the duke

Watch: He took a long time to paint his paintings

Wedding Picture: he was known for his marriage portraits and this portrait was as good as any proof that they were married (they didn’t need a certificate)

Wood Plate: he made wood carved plates for banquets for the duke

Bird: He tended the birds for the duke

Family: he worked with his brother, Hubert and they took turns painting exactly alike

Flashlight: he was the first to figure out light in paintings

Magazine: He decorated rooms and tended the gardens for the duke

Can serve Mexican Wedding Cakes