The Beginning of the History of Painting in the Ancient Netherlands : Some Notes on Legends concerning the Invention of Oil Paintings

Abstract

Jan van Eyck's invention of oil painting is only a legend today, since it was evidently in use before his days. But the change of the unhandy earlier use into the systematic in his art was quite remarkable. His pursuit for oil painting against difficulty suggests that he was anxious for the effect of it in order to realize his sense of vision in his drawing. It can be clearly testified by comparing his paintings with his contemporaries' .I conclude that no other painter has ever made such effective use of the oil painting for his purpose. It is just that we should restore Jan van Eyck's honor for his origination of oil painting.