It is one of the most famous paintings in history, for its realism but above all because there are not a few who suspect that behind the scene of the marriage, each element that appears composes a set of messages with esoteric symbology. Perhaps it is simply a waste of imagination by a few cadre scholars who love conspiracies and hidden messages. Or maybe there is some truth to it. In any case, few are those who remain indifferent to the painting. we tell you the real story behind the painting The Arnolfini Marriage by Jan van Eyck.
Who were the Arnolfini marriage
The truth is that it is not very clear who the Arnolfini couple were exactly, because it is not well identified which of the two brothers of the clan is the one that appears in the image. It could be Giovanni or Michele Arnolfini, that is, it is not known with certainty which of the two protagonist husbands of the painting is the one who has the Arnolfini surname. Although the idea that it is Michele, the male brother, gains more strength.
It is thought that it could be michele arnolfini judging by the pose of the couple, since he shows a gesture of superiority with respect to the woman by taking her hand, as if she were in the background of subordination, which would not fit if it were Giovana, well she belongs to a high social class. If it is indeed Michele Arnolfini who appears portrayed, he would do so with his wife Elizabeth.
They say it was a secret marriage which he himself witnessed painter Jan Van Eyck in the year 1934. The Arnolfinis are rich merchants who managed to prosper and reach high amassing fortune in the city of Bruges, present-day Belgium.
Symbolism and true history of Jan Van Eyck’s Arnolfini marriage
At first we find ourselves before a pictorial work in the Flemish style, in which a couple poses solemnly, as if portraying a ceremonious and theatrical moment. He has not been without criticism about those who even find a certain air of humor in the gestures and postures of the spouses, although this is another story. What really appeals to us is deciphering what is the symbolism and real history of Jan Van Eyck’s Arnolfini marriage.
There are two features that stand out from the rest when we look at this chart. One of them is the luminosity, while the second quality of this magnificent work is the details, because each element and each detail reflected in the painting seems to claim its own prominence despite the fact that, at first glance, they are in the background. Nothing could be further from the truth. Look at the furniture, which is not simply painted, which has multiple details, being a meticulous work by the author, who decides to capture every last detail and pamper every nook and cranny.
There are obvious signs of wealth represented as they are husband’s clothes, with high quality fabrics and equally luxurious designs. But also in small elements such as the oranges, the carpet, bed with its peculiar head, the clogs, the mirrors, the lamp and the dog. Each of them speaks for itself and conveys a message that only curious eyes and daring minds are capable of deciphering.
Orange could symbolize wealth, because it was an imported fruit. But they were also known as “Adam’s apple”, which confers a sinful and lustful sense.
The bed is birth and deathbut also surname and lineage continuitywhile their red colors symbolize passion. The rug is one more example of luxury.
If we continue to study the table, we have bare feet indicate that they are celebrating a religious ceremonywhile walking barefoot was, according to belief, a call to fertility. Also their position has a message. The woman’s shoes near the woman are there because she is the one take care of the homewhile those of the husband are more towards the door, to attract the economic prosperity to the handle
The rosary it is conceived as a usual gift from a man to his wife symbolizing purity. In the Bed head we see Santa Margarita, the patron saint of births, if we look at the dragon; or to Santa Marta, the home custodyif we look at the broom.
The mirror is a real mystery and a wonder to the attentive eye. Because in it, not only is it masterful that you see reflected the whole scene of the portraitbut also, in it we find surprises, because they appear 10 Stations of the Cross that grant a spiritual meaningChristian and sacred to the image, perhaps reflecting the sacrifice What is marriage for the couple?
Secondly, the lamponly with candles, symbolizes love. While we also have to clarify that the wife is not pregnant, even though she looks like it because of her belly. She is simply pointing to this special part of the woman, and yes, her green dressrefers to fertility.
we have left the dog which, as you might have guessed, represents the Fidelity. And there is more… because through the mirror we can see that there are witnesses at the wedding: the painter and a clergymanwhich turn the painting into a true testimonial document of the event.
If you also want to admire and, why not, study the painting up close, The Arnolfini Marriage by Jan van Eyck You have it in the National Gallery in London, where it has remained since 1842, after it suffered a mysterious robbery in the Royal Palace of Madrid in 1813.
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