George van Egmond

Egmond (1504–1559) is shown as a canon of Liège Cathedral; he would become bishop of Utrecht and an important patron of the arts. His gaze is fixed on something beyond the frame; the Virgin and Child may have appeared on a missing companion panel. Technical examination reveals that the artist made substantial changes during painting: the panel was enlarged and marble columns added. Patrons were often actively involved, and artists had to be willing to adapt.