Jan Van Eyck was a prominent Flemish painter active during the early 15th century. He is best known for his detailed oil paintings and innovative techniques, which greatly influenced the development of Northern Renaissance art. His most famous work, the Arnolfini Portrait, showcases his mastery of light, texture, and realism. Van Eyck was also a skilled portraitist and contributed to the use of oil paint in Europe, allowing for greater detail and depth in artworks. He worked for the court of Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy, and his paintings often included intricate symbolism and rich colors, reflecting the culture of his time.