rise which saw the development of art dealerships.

In general, smaller works were not commissioned

but created by workshop members which can be displayed and sold to the general public. The ultra
wealthy such as the dukes could patronise artworks and commission extravagant works by famous
artists.

Conventions and features of art from the period:

- Domestic interiors where spirituality and reality were balanced

- Emphasised light, shadow and reflection
- Natural representation (naturalism)
- Illusionism
- Complex iconography (“iconography studies the identification, description and interpretation
of the content of images: the subjects depicted, the compositions and details” - Wikipedia)
- Subjects are generally religious scenes or small portraits
- Narrative painting and mythological subjects were rare
- Depicted the visible word instead of the metaphysical world
- Interested in accurate reproduction of objects
- Three-dimensional spaces
- Rejection of elegance and extravagant decoration of the Gothic Age
- Linked audiences to the pictorial space
- Organised compositions
- Religious/biblical beliefs - constructing close, personal relationships with god.

How do Flemish artists apply oil paint?

Oil paints are applied layer upon layer and can blend tones imperceptibly. It allows them to illustrate
tiny objects with detail with fine brushwork. Artists at the time focused so much on detail that they
used single strands of the paintbrush to add details. They also used a translucent glaze when finishing
off the work.

How can the Arnolfini Marriage be interpreted?

There are two ways of interpreting The Arnolfini Marriage.

I. A wedding ceremony
II. A double portrait reflecting a married couple

What is the significance of the convex mirror in the centre of the composition?

The convex mirror in the centre of the artwork is significant as it depicts the back of two people, one
of which may be symbolic of the artist, the other, representing the viewer. Linking audiences to the
pictorial space was common because the audience is meant to be a part of the artwork, bearing witness
and being included.