Jan van Eyck within His Art

by Alfred Acres

A new assessment of the inventive and influential artist Jan van Eyck.
 
Jan van Eyck (1390–1441) was one of the most inventive and influential artists in the entire European tradition. The realism of his paintings continues to astound observers more than six centuries on, even though our world is saturated by high-resolution images. However, viewers today are as like to be absorbed by Van Eyck’s personality as his realism. While he sometimes directly painted himself into his works, he also suggested his presence through an array of inscriptions, signatures, and even a personal motto. Incorporating a wealth of new research and recent discoveries within a fresh exploration of the paintings themselves, this book reveals how profoundly Jan van Eyck transformed the very idea of what an artist could be.

248 pages, Hardcover

Published September 11, 2023

Reviews

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very approachable, yet splendidly educated new perspective on the life and works of Jan van Eyck.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bold painter and his confidence transposes and is even speaking to the viewer from his paintings; especially when he inserts himself discreetly in many of his works.

He is Also an innovator. In a period where religious paintings were the norm, with Van Eyck it is first time a man depicts his wife, first time when a portrait looks straight to the viewer in 1433 (could it be that Leonardo himself adopted this in painting Mona Lisa some decades later?) and first time a couple is depicted standing in their homes

I loved his apparent obsession on intense red and royal blue and wonder if this is maybe a personal touch like a trademark.

4* only as it is still not my favourite art period, but definitely an enjoyable book to read

[Brian Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A digestible read. Acres excels with his power of description, his caution with previous theories, his use of up-to-date research. Makes one excited and frankly astonished at the craft and intellectual virtuosity of this pioneer northern painter.

[Camilo Montenegro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a jewel of a book. Based on all of the most recent research it offers a holistic view of the painter, encompassing his social and historical contexts, his technique and convincingly sketching his personality, intellect and character. The format of the book, obviously outside of the control of the author, does the images little justice, but they are insightful and highlight the text perfectly. (I suggest reading this book with the Closer to Van Eyck website for visual support.)

This is a brilliant yet accessible book. Easy to read, short and yet incredibly insightful and informative, it is fun and reads as close to a biography as one can get for a person whom so little is known about. Among the very best on Van Eyck.

[E K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I discuss the book, I just want to say that my score of 4 out of 5 stars is largely due to not reading many books dedicated to the life and art of Jan van Eyck. Because of that, I can't accurately compare the author's work with others.

Made up of seven chapters and a epilogue, Acres' book is very engrossing despite the fact that it is only 196 pages. An artist who was not only a court painter but also a diplomat, the author shows his artistic process and his ability to engage the viewer/observer. Very detailed, Acres is extremely focused on works containing the motto "As I can."

If you are interested in learning about Jan Van Eyck, I would highly recommend this book. I will be reading it again and will make edits to this review.

[Sean Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic analysis of the work of Jan Van Eyck, which reveals so much yet maintains wonder and mystery. Facts and speculations are well cited and up-to-date.