Lecture Reflection and remembrance in Jan van Eyck’s Van der Paele Virgin

Douglas Brine (Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas (USA)) is the second speaker of the fall 2013 lectures of the Flemish Research Centre for the Arts in the Burgundian Netherlands.

Reflection and remembrance in Jan van Eyck's Van der Paele Virgin

It was not until the mid-twentieth century that the small figure reflected in Saint George's shield in Jan van Eyck's Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele received any scholarly attention. Since then, the image has been taken as Van Eyck's self-portrait and frequently cited in discussions of his authorial presence. The lecture reconsiders the reflection's function and meaning in relation to the painting's original setting - the nave of Saint Donatian's church in Bruges, in close proximity to Joris van der Paele's grave and the altar at which he founded masses for his soul. The relationship between the reflection and its viewers is discussed, along with the role of the reflection in the context of commemoration.

Practical:

When: 7 November 15.00
Where: Vriendenzaal Musea Brugge, Dijver 12, 8000 Bruges
Price: No charge
More info: Flemish Research Centre for the Arts in the Burgundian Netherlands
Attention: The language of delivery for this lecture is English.

(News item 25 October 2013)