The Madonna of Canon van der Paele (detail) by Jan van Eyck

The Madonna of Canon van der Paele (detail) 1436

janvaneyck

Groeningemuseum, Bruges, Belgium

character portrait

jesus-christ

portrait reference

child

portrait head and shoulder

facial painting

christianity

facial portrait

abstract character

lady

portrait art

virgin-mary

fine art portrait

celebrity portrait

digital portrait

This detail of Jan van Eyck's *The Madonna of Canon van der Paele* (1436) showcases the artist's mastery of oil painting and realism. The Virgin Mary, depicted with a delicate beauty, holds the Christ Child, whose innocent gaze is directed towards the viewer. A green parrot, a symbol of Christ's future resurrection, delicately nibbles at a sprig of flowers, hinting at Mary's purity and the promise of new life. The painting, housed in the Groeningemuseum, Bruges, exemplifies the Early Netherlandish style and is a testament to van Eyck's skill and influence on the development of oil painting techniques.