The artwork is a detail from “The Ghent Altar,” created by Jan van Eyck in 1432. Executed in oil on wood, this piece exemplifies the Northern Renaissance art movement and belongs to the genre of religious painting. It is part of the larger series known as “The Ghent Altarpiece” and is located in St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium.
The artwork comprises two panels, each encased within a Gothic architectural framework. The left panel depicts an angelic figure, intricately robed and holding a lily, a symbol often associated with purity and the Annunciation. The figure’s expression is serene, and the detailed rendering of the curls and folds of the garment highlights Jan van Eyck’s mastery in oil painting. The right panel features a female figure in prayer, dressed in voluminous robes. Her downcast eyes and folded hands indicate a devout and contemplative posture. The juxtaposition of the two panels conveys a sense of sacred reverence and spiritual introspection, characteristic of the religious themes prominent in Northern Renaissance art.
