Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele 1436

Jan van Eyck's "Madonna and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele" is a masterpiece of Early Netherlandish painting. Completed in 1436, it portrays the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, flanked by the titular Canon Joris van der Paele and a kneeling soldier. Van Eyck's attention to detail is remarkable, with meticulously rendered fabrics, ornate architectural elements, and lifelike figures. The inclusion of donors, such as the Canon, was common in Northern European art of this period, reflecting the importance of individual patronage. The painting's realism and symbolism made it a highly influential work, solidifying van Eyck's reputation as a leading artist of his time.