Saint Barbara
1437
Jan van Eyck left this masterpiece famously unfinished, giving us a rare peek into his creative process. In the foreground, Saint Barbara sits peacefully reading a book and holding a palm frond, while behind her rises an incredibly detailed, towering Gothic cathedral still under construction. Tiny workers swarm the background, carving stones and hauling materials, contrasting with the serene saint. The sky is partially painted in blue and gold, hinting at the vibrant colors that were meant to fill the rest of the scene. It's one of the most fascinating surviving drawings from the early Northern Renaissance.
Location: Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
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