The two double portraits by Jan van Eyck and John Singleton Copley show a married couple posing together for the paintings. At first glance it appears that they are both very similar as both coins depict the married couple posing for the coins. However, they come from different artists and different periods. The marital relationships of these men and women are different. Social structure and concerns with cultural situations also played a role in how the plays were made and performed. Jan van Eyck's first piece entitled "The Double Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife" was created in 1434. During this period, artists enjoyed greater flexibility in what they should produce; and they took the opportunity to explore new themes and techniques (Mckay). The man in this work, Giovanni Arnolfini, was granted the right to have himself and his wife painted by Eyck instead of inheriting it (Stokstad, Cothren 293). This was not a normal practice at that time. Arnolfini's wealth and connections put him in a position to create this painting (Stokstad, Cothren 293). This fact shows how the social structure worked at the time. Most people should inherit this honor. Instead, he bought the right to do so. Another detail that emerges from this portrait is the sense of religious implementation. Eyck added several elements to the painting that added sacred meaning to it. The crystal rosary hanging next to the mirror shows the couple's piety (Stokstad, Cothren 293). The mirror hanging on the wall is also a symbol. It is said to be a symbol of God's all-seeing eye (Stokstad, Cothren 293). The figure of Saint Margaret carved atop a chair post next to the bed is another religion...... middle of paper ...... easier for him to paint a little more freely than 'Eyck. Although these two pieces constitute a double portrait, they are very different in many ways. It would be interesting to see what kind of work they both would have accomplished if they had had the freedom to paint as freely as we can today. Unfortunately, we will never be able to see this happen. Works Cited Stokstad, Marylin and Michael Cothren. Art, a brief history. Pearson, 2012. Collia-Suzuki, Gina. “Arte-Facts.” “Arte-Facts” Gina Collia-Suzuki, May 9, 2011.Web. April 3, 2014. Mckay, Brett and Kate Mckay. “The basics of art: the Renaissance”. The art of manhoodRSS. The art of virility, July 16, 2010. Web. April 3, 2014.Philadelphia Museum of Art - School & Teachers: Teacher Resources." Philadelphia Museum of Art - School & Teachers: Teacher Resources. Philadelphia Museum of Art, ndWeb. April 3. 2014.