Jan van Eyck’s painting Double Portrait of a Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (c. 1434) is a depiction of two individuals of the wealthy merchant class interacting hand and hand while placed in a domestic setting of a bedroom. Their wealth is indicated by the detailed depiction of the material richness of the women’s floor length gown and the fur cloak worn by the man; classic wardrobe of one of the richer status. Likewise, the items that decorate the room such as the chandelier and rare oranges, suggest the wealth of the individuals. Van Eyck suggests a possible narrative and relationship of the man and women by the use of symbolism throughout the work. For instance, the dog that is situated between the man and women symbolizes fidelity which puts into question their relationship as she is shown pregnant. Additionally, the mirror displayed on the back wall of the room symbolizes the eye of God and the beads hanging beside the mirror suggests the individuals are of a religious manner. The man’s face holds more detail and personality than the woman’s and it radiates an unimpressed expression; which adds more mystery to the possible narrative of the work. Finally, the use of light coming in from the side window creates high lights and shadows on certain aspects on the painting that the artist wanted to single out. For instance, the light is prominent primarily on the interaction of the …show more content…
Golden rays, suggesting a glow dispersing from the heavens, shines down on the interaction between the saint and angel. Bernini uses the portrayal of pleasure, an emotion that is both relatable and desired by conventional humans, to mesmerize and absorb viewers towards the church. Likewise, the sculpture is displayed within a golden pedestal that is higher than eye-level and can be observed at all angles. This allows the piece to not only be interactive but glorified making the experience of the God that much more desirable. Additionally, the use of a dramatic light source emitting itself down onto the top of the sculpture creates an intense setting that captures the sensation of the moment. Overall, Bernini’s work displays an innovative way to address the religious and political atmosphere at the time but also a new persuasive tool in engaging the viewer in a certain opinion. This technique of emotional engagement explored by Bernini and other artists in the seventeenth century encourages emotional expression for persuasive purposes that would later take affect towards revolutionary events.
The century following was one of great enlightenment and revolution with a more hopeful approach toward new discoveries and education. Power of the aristocratic authority was being overthrown with a hope of transforming society and a new found importance