EYCK, Jan van
(b. before 1395, Maaseik, d. before 1441, Bruges)

The Ghent Altarpiece: The Holy Pilgrims

1432
Oil on wood, 148,7 x 54,2 cm
Cathedral of St Bavo, Ghent

The Pilgrim Saints, who were favourite figures of identification throughout the Middle Ages, are led by a giant of a man, St Christopher. Many later commentators have suggested that his great height would have reminded the contemporary viewer of Jodocus Vijd's brother, also called Christopher.