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3 works across 1 institution
London's National Gallery holds 3 works by Jan van Eyck (1390–1441) — the city's entire known holding of this artist in a single institution.
Jan van Eyck in London
Van Eyck in London
The National Gallery holds the Arnolfini Portrait — the double portrait of Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and his wife, painted in Bruges in 1434, which may be the most discussed single painting in the Northern Renaissance. The mirror on the back wall reflects two figures entering the room, one of whom may be Van Eyck himself. The inscription above it reads 'Jan van Eyck was here 1434' — either a legal witness signature or a statement of artistic presence that has generated five centuries of interpretation.
The painting is small in person — about 82 × 60 cm — and the detail visible up close rewards time: the brass chandelier, the discarded shoes, the small dog at their feet. The National Gallery displays it with commentary that helps visitors navigate the iconographic debates without becoming academic.
Planning your visit
The National Gallery is free. The Arnolfini Portrait is in Room 56 in the North Wing. It has its own explanatory panel and is rarely without viewers; weekday mornings offer the best chance of seeing it without a crowd.
National Gallery
London · 3 works on display
The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square houses one of the world's great collections of Western European painting, from the 13th to the 19th century, with particular strength in the Dutch Golden Age and Impressionism. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
About the artist
Jan van Eyck
Flemish · Early Netherlandish · 1390–1441
Van Eyck is one of the most significant painters in the history of Western art, credited with perfecting oil painting and achieving a level of detail and luminosity previously unattained. He worked in Bruges as court painter to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. His Ghent Altarpiece, completed in 1432, is considered one of the greatest paintings ever made.
Key works
The Arnolfini PortraitGhent AltarpiecePortrait of a Man
Frequently asked questions
How many Jan van Eyck paintings are on display in London?
Our current data shows 3 Jan van Eyck paintings on display in London, spread across the National Gallery. Coverage is based on Wikidata records and may not reflect every work currently on display.
Which museum in London has the most Jan van Eyck paintings?
National Gallery holds all 3 known Jan van Eyck works in London.
Where else can I see Jan van Eyck's paintings?
Jan van Eyck's paintings are distributed across museums in multiple countries. Our artist page lists every city in our collection where their work is currently on display — use it to plan a multi-city trip or find works closer to home. Browse all cities for Jan van Eyck →
Planning your visit to London
Most major national museums in London are free to enter permanently — the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and National Portrait Gallery all charge nothing for the permanent collection. The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House and the Wallace Collection are also free. Pre-booking is rarely needed for permanent collections but recommended for major temporary exhibitions.
Artwork data sourced from Wikidata. Coverage varies — always confirm with the museum before visiting.