The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfi
Jan van Eyck
October’s Fine Arts Mini Experience (FAME) was taught during the week of October 22-25th and featured the Flemish artist Jan van Eyck’s “The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Bride”, and the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s music “Minuet in G” and “Toccata and Fugue”.
Jan van Eyck’s detailed texture and symbolism makes his odd and different wedding picture interesting to view. Students learned about several symbols which were painted into the scene to send a message to the viewer. Van Eyck is also remembered for the fact that he was one of the first artists to use oil paint. Students learned the ways in which oil paint affects the look and style of an artist’s work.
We all listened to Bach’s “Minuet in G” and discussed the various instruments which were available during Bach’s time. The students saw pictures of a clavichord, a harpsichord and an organ. While learning about the organ, we were able to listen to “Toccata and Fugue” – another of Bach’s compositions – this one written for the organ. The idea of “counterpoint” was talked about, and we even tried to create our own example by singing rounds. We wrapped up the session by learning about the Minuet, and the importance of the dance in European culture. Students were able to watch a video of people dancing this historical dance.
Jan van Eyck’s detailed texture and symbolism makes his odd and different wedding picture interesting to view. Students learned about several symbols which were painted into the scene to send a message to the viewer. Van Eyck is also remembered for the fact that he was one of the first artists to use oil paint. Students learned the ways in which oil paint affects the look and style of an artist’s work.
We all listened to Bach’s “Minuet in G” and discussed the various instruments which were available during Bach’s time. The students saw pictures of a clavichord, a harpsichord and an organ. While learning about the organ, we were able to listen to “Toccata and Fugue” – another of Bach’s compositions – this one written for the organ. The idea of “counterpoint” was talked about, and we even tried to create our own example by singing rounds. We wrapped up the session by learning about the Minuet, and the importance of the dance in European culture. Students were able to watch a video of people dancing this historical dance.