AFTER JAN VAN EYCK (LATE 18TH CENTURY)
Ghent altarpiece, angel musicians (top right panel)
oil/tempera on panel
33 x 23 cm

This depiction of angel musicians is a well observeed section of the 15th century polyptych Ghent Altarpiece at St Bavo's Cathedral, Belgium. The angels can be found in one of the upper right panels gathered closely, playing various musical instruments. Upon one of the frames an inscription reads melos deo laus, meaning 'music in praise of God', and anther reads 'Laudate eum in cordis et organo', meaning 'Praise him with stringed instruments and organs'.