Why it matters
The elderly canon Joris van der Paele kneels before the Virgin and Child, presented by his name saint George, who politely lifts his helmet. Called a 'masterpiece of masterpieces', it is famous for its rendering of furs, silks, armour and brocade.
Did you know?
- It was painted around 1434–1436.
- Van der Paele was gravely ill and intended it as his memorial.
- The imitation bronze frame with inscriptions is original.
- The Virgin's throne is carved with Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel.
Based on the Wikipedia article Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele (CC BY-SA 4.0).
