Illustrated with Eight Reproductions in Colour [Illustration: IN SEMPITERNUM.] London: T. C. & E. C. Jack New York: Frederick A. Stokes Co. TO MY MOTHER IN TOKEN OF REVERENCE AND LOVE CONTENTS Page I. The Advent of the Van Eycks 11 II. Hubert's Novitiate 17 III. The Great Polyptych 22 IV. In the Service of Burgundy 42 V. Period of Great Endeavour 58 VI. A Note in Conclusion 77 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Plate I. The Adoration of the Lamb, _c._ 1426 Frontispiece (By Hubert van Eyck.--The Cathedral, Ghent) Page II. Choir of Angels, _c._ 1426 14 (By Hubert van Eyck.--Royal Gallery, Berlin) III. Portrait of "Tymotheos," 1432 24 (By John van Eyck.--National Gallery, London, No. 290) IV. Portrait of the Painter's Father-in-law, 1433 34 (By John van Eyck.--National Gallery, London, No. 222) V. John Arnolfini and Joan Cenani, his Wife, 1434 40 (By John van Eyck.--National Gallery, London, No. 186) VI. The Virgin and Child, St. Donatian and St. George, and Canon G. Van der Paele, 1436 50 (By John van Eyck.--Town Gallery, Bruges) VII. Portrait of Margaret van Eyck, the Painter's Wife, 1439 60 (By John van Eyck.--Town Gallery, Bruges) VIII. The Virgin and Child, and Chancellor Rolin, date uncertain 70 (By -- van Eyck.--The Louvre, Paris) [Illustration: John. Hubert.] I THE ADVENT OF THE VAN EYCKS