The two works compared in this writing assignment (Van Eyck's Double Portrait and The Encounter between Gioacchino and Anna by Giotto) are visually very different in many ways, for example in setting, medium, techniques used, etc. Taking a more critical look at the two works it is evident that, although there are many differences, there are also many similarities within the two pieces, including their symbolic references. and certain contents. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Looking at the two pieces, it is clear in both works that couples are portrayed in acts of union. Looking at Giotto's work, the viewer sees Santo. Joachim and Saint. Anna in the act of union under the golden gates of Jerusalem. The couple embrace each other intimately, signifying a strong connection and feelings of love which were emerging themes in art during the time this work was created. Looking at Van Eyck's work, the couple portrayed are seen in a "bedroom" in a less intimate act of union. The couple can be seen holding hands and sharing a seemingly important moment together. In both works it is evident that there are individuals who observe couples in their acts of union; in Giotto's work the witnesses are seen on the left side of the painting and under the golden gates with a woman (dressed in dark clothing) looking away from the union; in Van Eyck's work the witnesses are seen in the reflection of the mirror in the background. In both works it is evident that there are strong references to God, using the symbolism of color and objects. Both works use the color gold (which is often associated with Christ) strategically, implying that he is present in both unions. In addition to this it can be seen in Giotto's work that Saint Joachim and Anna both have golden halos showing their association with Christ (their halos seem to become one during their embrace), and in Van Eyck's work; the single candle in the chandelier can be interpreted as the presence of Christ in the room, the mirror in the background of the painting can also signify the presence of Christ in the room as the mirror could represent Christ's "all-seeing" abilities as it shows visitors who they enter the room. Another comparison between the two pieces would be the strong presence of references to fertility. Since Giotto's work is based on the Gospels of James, the viewer can have an advance view of the story depicted, making the piece easier to interpret. Giotto's work depicts Saint Joachim and Saint Anne united after receiving the news that a child will be born to them, after many failed attempts to conceive a child. The child they have will be the mother of Christ (referred to as Madonna or Mary). There are also strong hints of fertility in Van Eyck's work, including: the use of color symbolism (red fertility), the carving of Saint Margaret (protector of childbirth) on the chair in the background and the large bulge in the background . woman's belly. Given the above, it is clear that there are many similarities between the two works, but there are also several differences that can be noted such as: differences in style and medium of expression, influence and meaning of the pieces, different symbols and meanings present in each piece. The mediums and styles used by the two artists are different, Giotto's style can be seen as "less advanced" but very exceptional for his time period; which made him a very influential artist of his time. In Giotto's work the medium used is Fresco, it is painted on a wall of the Scrovegni Chapel in Italy making it immobile. The.