Jan van Eyck
Visual Arts
Netherlandish
1390 – 1441
50 quotes
A leading painter of the Early Netherlandish school, he is renowned for his meticulous detail and pioneering use of oil paint, exemplified in the 'Arnolfini Portrait'.
Als ich kann.
Signature on 'Portrait of a Man (Self-Portrait?)'
1433
I can.
Signature on 'Portrait of a Man (Self-Portrait?)' (English translation)
1433
Johannes de Eyck fuit hic.
Signature on 'The Arnolfini Portrait'
1434
Jan van Eyck was here.
Signature on 'The Arnolfini Portrait' (English translation)
1434
The eye sees more than the heart knows.
Attributed, though likely apocryphal or a later interpretation of his work
My work is to capture the world as it is, not as it should be.
Attributed, reflecting his artistic philosophy
Light is the painter's true medium.
Attributed, reflecting his mastery of light in painting
Every detail matters, for in the small things, the truth resides.
Attributed, reflecting his meticulous detail
To paint is to see, and to see truly is to understand.
Attributed, reflecting his observational approach
The art of painting is to deceive the eye with truth.
Attributed, reflecting his realism
Color is the soul of the painting.
Attributed, reflecting his innovative use of oil paints
The world is full of wonders, and it is my task to bring them to life on canvas.
Attributed, reflecting his appreciation for the natural world
Patience is the brushstroke of genius.
Attributed, reflecting his painstaking technique
A true artist does not merely copy, but interprets the essence.
Attributed, reflecting his artistic depth
The reflection in the mirror reveals more than the face itself.
Attributed, inspired by the mirror in 'The Arnolfini Portrait'
My aim is to make the invisible visible.
Attributed, reflecting his ability to capture subtle details and emotions
The beauty of the world is in its imperfections.
Attributed, reflecting his realistic portrayal of subjects
To paint is to pray with colors.
Attributed, reflecting the spiritual depth in his religious works
The greatest challenge is to capture the fleeting moment.
Attributed, reflecting his ability to convey a sense of presence
Art is a window to the soul.
Attributed, reflecting the emotional depth of his portraits