Portrait of Cardinal Albergati 1431

Jan van Eyck painted this oil on oak panel portrait of Cardinal Albergati in the 15th century. Van Eyck worked as a court painter for Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy, who was a major political player in Europe. This portrait reflects the cultural and political milieu of the Burgundian court, where the display of wealth and power was crucial. Albergati was an Italian cardinal and diplomat who played a significant role in the Council of Florence. This council attempted to reconcile the Western and Eastern churches. Van Eyck's attention to detail and naturalism, seen in the Cardinal's facial features and the texture of his robes, elevates the sitter's status, reflecting his importance as a religious and political figure. To understand a work like this, we need to consider the institutions that shaped its creation and reception. Archival research into the patronage of the Burgundian court, as well as theological debates of the time, can shed light on its meaning. Ultimately, understanding art requires understanding its historical and institutional context.