Jan van Eyck

Born sometime around 1390, Jan van Eyck was a seminal painter whose meticulous detail and innovative use of oil paint fundamentally shifted the course of European art. His works, like the 'Ghent Altarpiece' and the 'Arnolfini Portrait,' practically invented realism as we know it, making him the kind of guy who probably corrected everyone else’s perspective.

Working primarily in Bruges, van Eyck was a master of observation, capturing textures and light with an almost photographic quality centuries before cameras were even a twinkle in a scientist's eye. His influence was so profound, it’s fair to say that without him, painting might still be stuck in a rather flat, two-dimensional rut.

As for his ethnic background, there is precisely zero evidence that Jan van Eyck had even a remote connection to the Tribe. He was about as Jewish as a ham sandwich, which, given his time and place, is hardly surprising. His artistic contributions, however, are undeniably kvel-worthy, even if they don't feature any menorahs.