Portrait – Giovanni Arnolfini II

Thinking and attitudes Kristine Pisan, who lived at the court of the French king, indicating that the wife of the late Middle Ages became aware of its capabilities and its abilities. Therefore it is not surprising that women are involved in the business of her husband as a party in the signing of the contract, participating in the conduct of litigation, collectors of various rents and revenues. But the performance of these and similar assignments woman could itself take on. The practice where women participate in the implementation of legal and financial affairs could take place only with the consent of her husband. Her husband’s licenses formalized through a legal document that served as a power of attorney wife becomes his agent. Agreements were assembled by emphasizing fairness and sincerity of both sides, in front of a court reporter and witnesses.



Arnolfini Portrait has long been viewed as a second marriage two spouses. It has long been believed that this figure represents a wedding portrait, but then came to the conclusion that the symbols that point to marriage, such as Arnolfinijevog gesture consent and giving Testament, as well as witnesses whose reflections seen in the mirror, be interpreted as a moment of concluding the business contract between husband and wife. The idea of a wedding ceremony is challenged by the fact that the action takes place is not the image of a church or in front of the temple, as they usually artists of northern Europe showing the moment of entering into marriage. Also, the hair Arnolfinijeve chosen ones not disbanded like many young people in the performances of the wedding, but was recovered in the hairstyle worn by married women.

Concerns that appear when this picture is explained as marriage disappear in how it is viewed as the moment of conclusion of the agreement between the spouses is already married, which women obtained permission to name her husband manages affairs. Bedroom as a space unfolding not only of intimate acts, but also business, was chosen as the place where the husband handed over his powers wife. Giovanni Arnolfini is shown in the window, and his clogs are located near the door, which indicates that travel and that is often absent from home, while Giovanna standing by the bed, and her shoes at the bottom of the room suggests that it is primarily related to home . Before witnesses, whose reflections seen in the mirror, Giovanni Arnolfini raised one hand as a sign of sincere and fair Testament, a woman gives him a hand as a symbol of the consent and readiness to assume responsibilities in his absence. The moment of conclusion of the agreement between the spouses at the same time and see Arnolfinijevih as an ideal shopping para.



A successful trader is not identified only by the abundance of assets, wealth, home decorations and clothing. The challenge is to present in the light of good reputation, honesty and honor that should lead any agreed deal. Respectable man is a man of faith, godly and righteous, to which alludes ram mirrors with paintings depicting Christ’s suffering. A dog that is located next to the couple right under their arms can be seen as a harbinger of the faithful and sincere attitude that prevails among them and with which they treat their customers. Details alluding to conception such as bed and statue of St. Margaret, the patroness of childbirth, fruit as a symbol of fertility, dress his wife and placed a hand on her stomach, can be interpreted as an indication of their family values, but also a fertile business and wealth that multiplies. After the death of Giovanni Arnolfinija Giovanna became executor of all jobs. In support of its boldness and confidence in the process of performing the duties assumed highlights the fact that the suing Anthony of Burgundy, bastard son of Philip the Good of outstanding debt. Arnolfini Portrait is not only a prominent figure of the ideal couple and dealer, but visual evidence and confirmation of withdrawal of women in the public space and its ability to face the challenges of business and the world, which is primarily considered masculine care. but i productive business and wealth that multiplies. After the death of Giovanni Arnolfinija Giovanna became executor of all jobs. In support of its boldness and confidence in the process of performing the duties assumed highlights the fact that the suing Anthony of Burgundy, bastard son of Philip the Good of outstanding debt. Arnolfini Portrait is not only a prominent figure of the ideal couple and dealer, but visual evidence and confirmation of withdrawal of women in the public space and its ability to face the challenges of business and the world, which is primarily considered masculine care. but i productive business and wealth that multiplies. After the death of Giovanni Arnolfinija Giovanna became executor of all jobs. In support of its boldness and confidence in the process of performing the duties assumed highlights the fact that the suing Anthony of Burgundy, bastard son of Philip the Good of outstanding debt.



Arnolfini Portrait is not only a prominent figure of the ideal couple and dealer, but visual evidence and confirmation of withdrawal of women in the public space and its ability to face the challenges of business and the world, which is primarily considered masculine care.