Background The Arnolfni portrait painted by Jan van Eyck
in 1434 remains one of the most puzzling yet alluring paintings
of prerenaissance western art.
Purpose The painting is renowned for its exactitude in
brush strokes, textures and the distinctive morphology of
the main character Arnolfni. The nature of these requires
pathological consideration.
Methods Diagnostic and pathological analysis of the
painting.
Results A number of pathological abnormalities are noted
in the face of the main character including loss of outer third
of the eyebrow (Sign of Hertoghe), bilateral ptosis and melasma
of the forehead. These together support a diagnosis of
hypothyroidism.
Conclusions This novel diagnosis ofers an additional
perspective to this enigmatic portrait, and can add to the
comprehension of the method, origin and pathological associations
of this prominent painting from a genius artist.