Jan van Eyck’s painting of the enthroned Virgin and Child is a scene with recurring imagery that we are not unfamiliar with. Characteristic of Northern Renaissance art is the enduring influence of Gothic art as opposed to Southern Renaissance art. Canonicus Van der Paele commissioned this painting and he is the figure robed in white being presented to jesus and Mary by St. George who is clad in armor with St. Donatian on the opposite side. Portraying Mary with saints is a recurring scene called sacra conversazione and it is reminiscent of the scenes of other figures of authority throughout history who were depicted with figures on each side of them personifying the support of the clergy and military as do St. Donatian and St. George respectively do in this scene as well.
