en Church and State can still be seen quite easily. Although King Charles (who is reported to either be Charles Martel or his Grandson, the famous Charlemagne) is shown wearing the crown and known as the leader of France through divine recognition, he is still depicted kneeling in submission to Saint Giles and the Eucharist. Especially since most monarchs of the time claimed their power directly from God, the painting gives us an excellent portrayal of how even though the Church and State are supposed to be working together, the Church on several occasions tries to act as though they are in charge.
             The main depiction of the Church in the portrait is none other than Saint Giles himself, with host in hand. He is believed to be a 7th to 8th century Christian hermit whose legends ended up giving him the highest repute for sanctity and miracles. Saint Giles was born in Greece, the son of noble and wealthy Athenians (although that claim is widely disputed). He is said to have performed his first miracle while still a young boy. Giles found a sick man begging on the roadside and since he had nothing else to give him, Giles gave his coat to the beggar. As soon as the put was placed on his body, the beggar was cured of his illness and walked away in good health. When Giles eventually inherited his parents' money, he gave most of it to the poor instead of keeping it. This won him many followers, but Giles was not interested in the celebrity status and felt he had to get away from them to avoid sinful pride. As a result he fled from Athens and sailed to Marseilles, but only after saving the boat from a storm through prayer during the journey. After studying and performing more miracles here with the wise bishop Caesarius, Giles once
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