"The Arnolfini Marriage" is a name that has been given to this untitled double portrait by Jan van Eyck, now in the National Gallery, London. It is one of the greatest celebrations of human mutuality. Like Rembrandt's "Jewish Bride", this painting reveals to us the inner meaning of a true marriage.

Giovanni Arnolfini, a prosperous Italian banker who had settled in Bruges, and his wife Giovanna Cenami, stand side by side in the bridal chamber, facing towards the viewer. The husband is holding out his wife's hand. The painting has the half-light of a room only partially lit by windows. The space is filled with filtered daylight from the side. Although the cherry trees in the garden are heavy with ripe fruit, we do not have the impression that it is summer outside, because the two figures are wearing layered clothing lined with fur, and their heads are covered.

Preview	Picture Data	Info
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife 1434 Oil on oak, 82 x 60 cm National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife 1434 Oil on oak, 82 x 60 cm National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London
	Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife (detail) 1434 Oil on oak National Gallery, London