Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife Giovanna Cenami

This piece is considered to be one of the most original and complex paintings in Western art history. Possibly, it is a portrait of newlyweds Arnolfini. Most look at the bride and mistakenly think that she is pregnant, but it is more likely the fashion of the time. There are a lot of interesting things here (look at the mirror!). This painting is also considered to be the oldest oil panel painting - the difference between tempera and oil were massive. Tempera was the older technique, where the paints are based in eggs and dry a lot faster. Oils of course use oil and the colours are much brighter and easier to use. This change was revolutionary.