The Merode altarpiece is similar to the Ghent altarpiece in that there is an overabundance of disguised symbolism. Every little detail in each of the altarpieces is cleverly symbolic of Christian beliefs. Also the color gold is emphasized as well as a "natural" light and open windows to signify the presence of Jesus Christ. Each painting also separates, by register, the sacred and the profane. There also is a "rule of three" used in each of the paintings to signify the trinity. Above all, the incredible, finite, and meticulous detail is deeply weighted in both.
             Specifically, the use of gold is emphasized to create a more realistic scene. Each of the paintings are done with oil paints on carved wood. They both carry the same color scheme of gold, light greens and brownish greys. In the Merode, a homunculus can be seen with a trail of "natural" light to indicate with certainty that it is the seed of Jesus Christ. In the Ghent a lamb clearly represents Jesus Christ because above it a glowing mass of light beams rays of light over the crowd of people. In the center register of the Merode, there are open windows that symbolize a presence of God entering the room (as well as the smothered candle smoke). In the center register of the Ghent, there also are open windows that indicate the sacredness of the scene. If one peers out the windows, it is even more obvious which registers take place in the sacred realm. Each painting also has registers dedicated to the donors where it is obvious that they are on Earth. The "rule of three" is also present in both paintings. In the Merode, there are three beams of light behind the homuncolus symbolizing the Trinity. As well as in the Ghent, Jesus bears a triple crown above his head, also symbolizing the Trinity. And finally, one could never forget the detail. From the elaborate different species of flowers in the Merode, to the background of th...