Detail of God the Father, central panel of the Ghent Altarpiece (oil on panel)

The central figure has been widely identified as God the Father, overseeing the story of Salvation. He wears a papal tiara, an attribute normally associated with the Father. All the same, there are persuasive arguments to the effect that the figure is, in fact, that of Christ. The issue will, nevertheless, have to remain open. Some scholars believe that Van Eyck deliberately blended aspects of the Father and the Son. Another possible explanation is that Van Eyck wanted to present the figure of 'God' in his Trinitarian unity - as Father, Son and Holy Spirit all at once.