'The Orders of the Angels' was a popular subject in medieval art and literature. As identified by the inscription 'Principans Turma' (ruling troops), the Principalities were thought to govern the lands of Kings, Princes and Bishops. They are shown here with crowns and ermine robes traditionally associated with royalty. The scale of the panel suggests it may have been for a domestic setting. The panel would have been one of a series of nine, showing the different hierarchies of Christian angelic beings, according to the beliefs put forward by Pseudo-Dionysius in his sixth century book 'De Coelesti Hierarchia' (On the Celestial Hierarchy). The style of the panel suggests it is likely fifteenth century in date, and possibly English. The design may have been copied from a woodcut as the painting style is very linear, and the figures are represented within a border.