Jan van Eyck is the most famous Flemish primitive. In the early 15th century, he was court painter to the Burgundian duke Philip the Good. After the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, this is his largest surviving work. In the centre we see Mary with child. Flanked on the left by St. Donatian, the patron saint of the Bruges church for which Van Eyck painted this masterpiece. On the right by patron canon Joris van der Paele and his patron saint St. George.
Van Eyck's realism is impressive. The details are razor-sharp. Note the reflections in St. George's helmet and armour.
The frame is original and includes the artist's name, very innovative for the 15th century.
MASTERPIECE
Discover more about this masterpiece in the video.