Which characteristic best describes the Arnolfini Portrait?

The Arnolfini Portrait, painted by Jan van Eyck in 1434, is best characterized by its naturalism. This painting exemplifies the Northern Renaissance's focus on realistic representation and meticulous attention to detail. Van Eyck was known for his innovative oil painting techniques, which allowed for richer color, intricate textures, and a depth of realism that was largely unprecedented at the time.

In the portrait, the figures of Giovanni di Nicolao di Arnolfini and his wife are rendered with precise attention to their physical features, clothing, and the play of light across surfaces. The environment around them is also depicted with great accuracy, showcasing a variety of textures, from the delicacy of fabric to the gleam of polished wood. These elements contribute to a convincing portrayal of both the subjects and their domestic surroundings, which enhances the viewer's sense of reality within the artwork.

While other movements such as abstraction, impressionism, and expressionism focus on stylized forms, emotional expression, or fleeting effects of light and color, the Arnolfini Portrait stands as a hallmark of naturalistic representation, prioritizing detailed observation and lifelike accuracy that defines the period in which it was created.