Saint Christopher (after van Eyck)

The painting is mainly recorded through a 1460–70 copy on oil on oak panel, in the Philadelphia Museum of Art since 1917, and a c 1480 drawing at the Musee du Louvre.

Each show a giant, bearded man, wading through water with a large stick, carrying the infant Christ on his shoulders.

The implication is that St. Christopher, patron saint of travelers, carries the weight of the world on his back;[1] The works show him leaning on a large stick as Christ holds a globe, with arms raised in blessing, his robe billowing to the right.

There are jagged rocks on either side, set against an early evening sky, with star formations.

It is directly referenced in a wing of Dieric Bouts Munich Adoration of the Maji, and Hans Memling's Moreel Triptych.

Philadelphia Museum of Art. Oil on panel, 29.5cm x 21.1cm
Saint Christopher , follower of van Eyck, Louvre