The Ghent Altarpiece is a Christian art located in the ST Bravo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. It is the most famous, influential, and sophisticated piece of art painted with oil. The masterpiece was created by Hubert Van Eyck and completed by Jan Van Eyck after Hubert’s death. The Ghent Altarpiece is among the greatest retables in the 15th century. Its history is fascinating because it is reported that, a part of it has been missing for more than 80 years now (Dhanens 24). In addition, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb was nearly destroyed by fire, burned down by the Calvinists, cut into pieces, and even pillaged. In addition, the piece of art was the most sought after because it has been repeatedly stolen and some pieces sold. Even though some stolen pieces were found, some pieces are still missing with the cases still open.
The Altarpiece comprises of 24 panels of which twelve are visible when it is open while the other twelve visible when it is closed (Goodgal 437). The Ghent Altarpiece has several detailed scenes with the center depicting Jesus Christ, the Saint John the Baptist, and the Virgin. It is corded with the Christian religion because everything about it is almost about Christianity. For instance, the mystic lamb, the symbolic sacrifice of Christ, and the bleeding Holy Grail on the altar (Otto 220).The piece of art was used to express the Christian principal of salvation and the importance of God. It is an incredible piece of art with many extensive and vibrant colors. The colors and jewels are used to detail the importance of God and salvation.
In essence, created by Hubert Van Eyck and completed by Jan Van Eyck, the Ghent Altarpiece is one of the greatest oil paintings in the 15th century. The piece of art is the most influential painting ever made that many people were desperate to steal while others to destroy. Since its making, the piece of art has been considered as one of the world most appreciated and stolen treasure of all time. It is the most significant religious renaissance artwork in history.
Works Cited
Dhanens, Elisabeth. Van Eyck: The Ghent Altarpiece. New York: Viking, 1973. Print.
Otto, Pacht. Van Eyck and the founders of early Netherlandish painting. Ed. Maria Schmidt-Dengler. UK: Harvey Miller, 1994. Print.
Goodgal, Dana Ruth. "The iconography of the Ghent altarpiece." Dissertations available from ProQuest. Paper AAI8207968. 1 Jan. 1981. Web 22 Mar. 2016. 437. <http://repository.upenn.edu/dissertations/AAI8207968>
