Van Eyck: The Portraits

The exhibition "Van Eyck: The Portraits" at the National Gallery in London presents an extraordinary reunion of all nine known painted portraits by Jan van Eyck. Gathered from museums and collections across Europe, these masterpieces represent roughly half of the artist’s total surviving works, offering a rare opportunity to experience his genius as a portraitist.

Exhibition Overview

The exhibition highlights van Eyck’s unmatched precision, his refined use of oil paint, and his deep psychological insight into sitters. Each work reflects his mastery of light, texture, and human presence, revealing not only technical brilliance but also a profound sensitivity to individuality.

Artistic Legacy

Van Eyck’s portraits transformed the art of representation in the 15th century. His attention to material detail and lifelike realism became foundational to Northern Renaissance painting and influenced generations of artists across Europe.

“Van Eyck’s portraits bridge the physical and the spiritual, inviting viewers into a timeless dialogue with the past.”

Visitor Information

Hosted by the National Gallery, the exhibition unites artworks that rarely travel, allowing visitors to explore the evolution of portraiture through the eyes of one of history’s most influential painters.

Author’s summary: The London exhibition “Van Eyck: The Portraits” reunites all known portraits by Jan van Eyck, celebrating his lasting influence on the art of realism and portraiture.

The National Gallery, London — 2025-11-30