"Perle von Brabant": Hl. Christophorus Außenseite: Hl. Barbara

The name ‘Pearl of Brabant’ is used to describe the overall effect and atmospheric treatment of light in this small altarpiece. Numerous symbols and references to legends about the chastity of the Virgin Mary are depicted in the central panel. The left wing shows John the Baptist pointing to the Lamb of God (John 1:29) in broad daylight; on the right, at sunset, is the giant, St Christopher, who found “the greatest king” (Legenda aurea) in the form of the child on his shoulder. The attribution to Dieric Bouts the Elder is disputed.