lover
oil, mixed media on 2 panels
32.5" x 22.5"
2006
while working on this painting based on a portrait by van eyck, i became very interested in the sitter, imagining this person as someone's lover, friend, companion, etc. it is interesting to note the eye contact of the sitter, she is looking down and away from the artist, hence the viewer. in contrast, there is another portrait by van eyck where the sitter looks directly at the artist (and consequently the viewer). because of this, it is speculated that this was van eyck's wife. the male gaze at this time was also direct.
oil, mixed media on 2 panels
32.5" x 22.5"
2006
while working on this painting based on a portrait by van eyck, i became very interested in the sitter, imagining this person as someone's lover, friend, companion, etc. it is interesting to note the eye contact of the sitter, she is looking down and away from the artist, hence the viewer. in contrast, there is another portrait by van eyck where the sitter looks directly at the artist (and consequently the viewer). because of this, it is speculated that this was van eyck's wife. the male gaze at this time was also direct.