Van Eyck’s Playground Theory

Van Eyck’s Playground Theory suggests that during the creation of detailed artworks, artists like Jan van Eyck view their work as a dynamic, interactive space—akin to a playground—where imagination, precision, and experimentation freely intermingle. The theory emphasizes that the artist's process involves exploration and continuous discovery within the artwork, rather than merely reproducing reality. This perspective highlights the playful yet meticulous nature of the artist’s craft, where technical mastery and creative freedom coexist, transforming painting into a lively, inventive act rather than a mere replication of the observed world.