Compact, affordable introduction to some of the world's most popular artists, looking at their works in incredible detail - Filled with superbly reproduced full-page, close-up details, offering new views of some of the world's most popular paintings This fascinating book views the work of Flemish painter Jan van Eyck (c.1395-1441) under a magnifying glass. Van Eyck studied fauna and flora in their natural environment and under carefully chosen light conditions, and then achieved a breathtaking and convincing realism in his paintings. Each work is a collection of minuscule details rendered with superb clarity - or at least that is the viewer's first impression. As this book reveals, Van Eyck's exceptional talent was his understanding of how the human brain supplements visual perception. Here, full reproductions of his work as well as close-up details are organized by theme. The text includes a biographical note and information on the technique of oil painting on panel, and an explanation of how Van Eyck achieved his innovative results. This is an unprecedented look at the work of a popular master.

Maximiliaan P. J. Martens is a professor of art history at Ghent University.