The Arnolfini Portrait, with Laura Cumming

The podcast delves into Jan Van Eyck's "Arnolfini Portrait," exploring its historical context, artistic techniques, and enduring mysteries. Art critic Laura Cumming joins host Tom Holland to dissect the painting's hyperrealism and puzzling elements, such as the subjects' identities and gestures. Cumming describes the painting's setting in 15th-century Bruges, highlighting details like the couple's attire, the dog, oranges, and the convex mirror reflecting two figures. The discussion questions the subjects' relationship—marriage or betrothal—and whether the woman is pregnant, challenging common interpretations. The speakers also draw a humorous comparison between the man in the portrait and Vladimir Putin.