Jan van Eyck (c. 1390-1441) was a Flemish painter and innovator of Early Northern Renaissance art. Portrait of a Man in a Red Turban (1433) is one of his highly detailed works, and is considered by many to be a self-portrait of the artist. The painting highlights van Eyck’s careful practice of naturalism, as small wrinkles around his eyes show age and small hairs around the chin give the appearance of stubble. The various textiles and colors of his outfit are meticulously depicted, the fur collar of his dark gown is texturally distinct from the bright red, elaborately-tied headcloth. The sitter’s intense gaze looks out at the viewer with a serious expression, suggesting the artist painted his own appearance while looking into a mirror.

Learn more about the work that inspired this pin HERE.