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

The Ghent Altarpiece: Adoration of the Lamb (detail)

1432
Oil on wood
Cathedral of St Bavo, Ghent

In the background are two further groups, facing each other as if they had just emerged from the surrounding shrubbery. These are, on right side, the Virgin Martyrs, holding out palm fronds and wearing in their hair crowns of flowers of a kind traditionally worn by young girls at certain holy ceremonies.