Art in the North

The Arnolfini Portriat by Jan van Eyck is one of the most valuable and important paintings in the world. It was painted in 1436 by Van Eyck using oil on wood. What makes it so unique are the many symbols associated with the painting---the dog, fruit, clothing, and the sandals. Van Eyck was most likely born in 1395 near Maastricht, Netherlands. He was from the gentry class and what is most important about Van Eyck's painting is the subject, Giovanni Arnolfini and his wife.

As you watch the short seven minute video, explain why a painting this early in the 15th C. would NOT have as its focus a Church or religious theme? There are elements of religion and the Church in the painting but it is far from the focal point. Explain why this would be the case. What are the focal point of the painting? What can you conclude about Arnolfini and his wife from the painting?  Consider where Van Eyck came from and why the religious theme would be a secondary theme.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Explain the connection between Aquinas and the growth of Scholasticism. How did Aquinas use Aristole to promote Chruch dogma?