Jan Van Eyck: The Play of Realism

(Paperback, 2)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Jan van Eyck's surviving work comprises a series of painstakingly detailed oil paintings. Most explanations of the meanings behind these paintings have been grounded in religious symbolism. But in Jan van Eyck: The Play of Realism, such approaches to the art of this Netherlandish master are set aside. In a fascinating recovery of the neglected human dimension that is clearly present in these works, Craig Harbison interrogates the personal histories of the worldly participants of such masterpieces as the Virgin and Child with George van der Paele, the Arnolfini Double Portrait and the Virgin and Child with Nicolas Rolin.

Reviews

'I found this an enthralling study' The Sunday Telegraph 'A fascinating investigation into the nature of the great pioneer's clients ... some fine photo details' Arts Review 'Admirably restores a sense of van Eyck's singularity and modernity. [A] highly original book' Art Bulletin 'A handsome book. It is richly illustrated, carefully designed and printed. Among its colour plates are particularly appealing details of van Eyck's paintings' Speculum

Author Bio

Craig Harbison is Professor Emeritus of Art History at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Among his publications is The Mirror of the Artist, Northern Renaissance Art in its Historical Context (1995).