The Virgin Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele

The Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele is a beautiful painting by Jan van Eyck that contains multiple full-figure portraits amongst a decorative room.

The Netherlandish master completed this artwork in around 1434-36. This complex painting was commissioned by Joris van der Paele who himself would feature in the composition itself. The Renaissance era was full to the brim of wealthy donors who wanted to be depicted alongside figures of religion and mythology in paintings delivered by some of the finest European artists in order to tailor how future generations would view their lives.

This enchanting painting can be found at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges, Belgium. This prestigious art museum is a fine addition to what is already one of the cultural centres of Europe. Built on the exact location of the medieval Eekhout Abbey, their collection includes work by the likes of Hieronymus Bosch, Gerard David, Hugo van der Goes and Dirk Bouts.