Van Eyck: The Portraits

For the first time in history, see all nine of Jan van Eyck’s portraits together. 

Portraiture as we know it begins with van Eyck. His vision and skill launched painting into a new era of unrivalled realism.

Breathing life into van Eyck’s world, the exhibition introduces the men and women he spent his life around. They are not kings, queens and aristocrats; they are successful craftsmen, merchants and the artist’s relatives. This is a story of people. This is the moment when access to art widened. 

Precious and fragile, van Eyck’s paintings rarely travel, including 'The Arnolfini Portrait'. This is one of the most popular paintings in our collection and has only ever left the Gallery once in over 100 years. The exhibition marks the first and only time these works can be brought together. 

The exhibition runs until April 11, 2027 at The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, UK. 

To learn more, click here. 

For more events, visit the ARC Calendar.