'Twas painted by one Jan van Eyck in 1434
A masterpiece that's Netherlandish--one that I adore.
A merchant and his lovely wife; just married on this day
Commemorated by the artist in a most fine way
Considered with complexity, this painting is still seen
With marvel of its allegories, much for one to glean
As symbols of their wedding day, a dog stands at their feet
And hanging by the mirror is a brush and rosary
Such small details, yet so important; there are many more
For loyalty, fertility--signed hopes in days of yore
They stand there in the bedroom chamber, both in cloth so fine
He's donned in sable tabard; and her dress lined with ermine
Such vivid colors--still so sharp, although it's very old
Preserved so well by those who owned this treasure, as if gold
An argument within the world of art--as some imply
Is that she's pregnant, for she holds her folded dress up high
With loving care, the artist painted--with such great detail
The convex mirror in the rear, loved as a holy grail
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Contest Winner
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Author Notes
Writing Prompt
Write a poem about one's favorite painting. Poetry only, minimum 4 stanzas, rhyming preferred but not required.
Written in couplets of iambic heptameter
"feet" and "rosary" to be considered a half-rhyme
Notes:
A tabard is a coat, either sleeveless, or with short sleeves which was a common item of men's clothing in the Middle Ages
Ermine: White fur of the stoat (in the weasel family)
The convex mirror: A much revered item of study in the art world. It reflects the back of the couple and two other figures who stand before them.
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