In a groundbreaking celebration of one of the Northern Renaissance’s most influential artists, the National Gallery will host the first-ever exhibition dedicated to the portraits of Jan van Eyck.
There’s also the works of Catharina van Hemessen to see, too!
Opening on 21 November 2026 and running until 11 April 2027, Van Eyck: The Portraits will bring together all nine of the artist’s surviving painted portraits from across Europe, offering an unprecedented opportunity to explore the work of a painter who revolutionised portraiture.
A revolutionary approach to portraiture
Jan van Eyck (active 1422–1441) is widely regarded as a pioneer of portraiture, transforming the genre and redefining who could be immortalized in art. Moving beyond the traditional depictions of royalty and aristocracy, van Eyck’s sitters included affluent merchants, skilled craftsmen, and even his own family members. His work marked a pivotal moment in art history, capturing a time when access to portraiture expanded to reflect a broader spectrum of society.
Emma Capron, Curator of Early Netherlandish and German Paintings at the National Gallery, explains van Eyck’s transformative impact: “Portraiture bursts onto the scene fully formed in the 1430s under the brush of Jan van Eyck. Pushing the possibilities of oil painting to convey a convincing illusion of reality, suddenly we are faced with individuals pulsating with life, every single detail of their appearance captured. These portraits’ ability to baffle by their precision and liveliness is intact today.”
Exceptional reunions and rare loans
The exhibition will feature extraordinary reunions of van Eyck’s works, including the National Gallery’s own Arnolfini Portrait (1434), displayed for the first time alongside Portrait of a Man (Giovanni? Arnolfini) (c.1440, Gemäldegalerie, Berlin). This pairing offers a rare opportunity to see two panels depicting the same sitter, deepening our understanding of van Eyck’s approach to portraiture.
Another highlight is the newly conserved Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?) (1433, National Gallery), which will be shown alongside the portrait of van Eyck’s wife, Margaret (1439, Groeningemuseum, Bruges). Margaret’s portrait is particularly significant as the first known depiction of a non-aristocratic woman, reflecting van Eyck’s groundbreaking inclusivity.
In a historic first, Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum will loan both of its van Eyck paintings simultaneously, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this landmark exhibition.
New research and insights
The exhibition will also foreground new research into van Eyck’s techniques, original frames, and the cryptic inscriptions that accompany his works. These elements, combined with the artist’s unparalleled technical skill, create portraits that are as enigmatic as they are lifelike. The accompanying catalogue will be the first monograph ever published on van Eyck’s portraits, a surprising milestone given the extensive literature on the artist.
National Gallery Director Sir Gabriele Finaldi highlights the significance of the exhibition: “Van Eyck is one of the pillars of the National Gallery’s collection and a foundational figure in the European history of art. The portraits reflect a remarkable sensitivity to his sitters and an astounding technical virtuosity in their execution.”
Don’t miss Stubbs’ Lost Horse as it trots into the National Gallery while you can.
A rare opportunity
Supported by the Rick Mather David Scrase Foundation, Van Eyck: The Portraits is a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition that offers an intimate look at the work of a master who forever changed the art of portraiture. With its exceptional loans, groundbreaking research, and unparalleled focus on van Eyck’s portraits, this exhibition is not to be missed.
- Exhibition Dates: 21 November 2026 – 11 April 2027
- Location: National Gallery, London
Prepare to be captivated by the lifelike precision, emotional depth, and historical significance of Jan van Eyck’s portraits in this extraordinary celebration of one of art history’s most influential figures.