Jan Van Eck

Art dealer and collector credited with discovering oil painting, revolutionizing art techniques.

Character

Literary

Shadow and Bone

Kerch

Jan Van Eck, a prominent character in Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows Duology, is a wealthy merchant and councilman in the city of Ketterdam. Initially portrayed as a cunning and manipulative antagonist, his true intentions are revealed as the story unfolds.

Beyond the Grishaverse, Jan Van Eck is also the name of a renowned Dutch artist from the 15th century. Born in 1390, he is considered one of the pioneers of the Northern Renaissance movement in art. Van Eck’s groundbreaking use of oil paints revolutionized the field, allowing for greater detail, realism, and depth in his paintings.

Among his most famous works is the “Ghent Altarpiece,” completed in 1432, which is housed in the Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. This monumental polyptych altarpiece is regarded as a masterpiece of Western art. Van Eck’s other notable works include the “Arnolfini Portrait,” completed in 1434, which showcases his meticulous detail and use of a convex mirror.

While the Grishaverse’s Jan Van Eck is a fictional character, the historical Jan Van Eck left a lasting impact on the art world. His innovative techniques and exquisite works continue to captivate art enthusiasts to this day.