Detail of Eve

Simply with the arch, the shadows, and the black and earthy tones, Van Eyck manages to guide your eye and create perspective. You sense the depth of the niche that Eve is standing in. Renato Nicolodi also uses architectural elements and the alternation between light and dark to draw the viewer into his work.
Almost all black pigments originate from burnt substances such as carbon powder – even now. Black is a special colour because it absorbs rather than reflects light. It was already used in prehistoric rock paintings and remains very popular in fashion, art, and design. It is often associated with mourning and contemplations, such as in Embrace Melancholy – The Black Mirror by Nel Verbeke.