The Ghent Altarpiece: Details Of A Masterpiece

On May 6, 1432, the Renaissance masterpiece 'The Ghent Altarpiece' by Hubert and Jan van Eyck was consecrated at St Bravo's Cathedral, Belgium.

"Jan van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, more commonly known as the Ghent Altarpiece, is probably the most famous painting of the Northern Renaissance. The subject of both imitation and pilgrimage, the altarpiece was well-known throughout Europe even within the artist’s lifetime. When, in 1432, churchgoers first gazed upon the Ghent Altarpiece, they would have been astounded by its unprecedented naturalism. Even 600 years later, in an era of photorealistic animation, we cannot deny Jan van Eyck’s supreme ability to mimic reality. Read on to learn about the altarpiece’s individual panels, discover easily missed details, and better understand the remarkable legacy of van Eyck’s illustrious artwork."