The Rest Is History

The Arnolfini Portrait, with Laura Cumming

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Why is Jan Van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait perceived as one of the greatest mysteries of the arts? What elements and symbolisms provoke debates about its identity and meaning? And, what do we know about its provenance, its travels through European royal courts, and its influence on Diego Velázquez? 


In this new The Rest Is History Club series, Tom is joined by art critic and author Laura Cumming to discuss the histories behind famous paintings and put them in their historical contexts. 


To hear the full episode, and all the other exclusive new episodes from Laura and Tom's paintings  series, coming out every Wednesday for the next four weeks, join The Rest is History Club at therestishistory.com


FUTURE EPISODES....
Feb 11th: Las Meninas - Diego Velázquez
Feb 18th: The Skating Minister - Henry Raeburn
Feb 25th: The Angelus - Jean-François Millet 


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Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan

Social Producer: Harry Balden

Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude

Executive Producer: Dom Johnson

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