Detail of a brooch of a singing angel

Van Eyck had a profound knowledge of optics: he knew how light strikes an object, how it is reflected, and how he could represent this on a panel. He started with a white layer of lime. On top of this, he applied several thin layers of paint, from light to dark. The reflection of the colours on the white base layer create a deep, glossy sheen – as with this magnificent brooch.
Contemporary designers are constantly seeking ways to achieve the same deep shine with new techniques and materials. Take a look at the work of Alissa Volchkova, František Vízner, and Study
O Portable.