What is the Ghent Altarpiece and where is it located?

The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is a significant and large 15th-century polyptych altarpiece. It is housed in St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium, and is considered a masterpiece of European art, marking a transition from medieval to Renaissance artistic styles.

Who is credited with the creation of the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Ghent Altarpiece is attributed to the Early Netherlandish painters and brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck. While Hubert is believed to have designed the overall structure around the mid-1420s, his younger brother Jan is credited with completing the panel paintings by 1432.

What is the historical significance of the Ghent Altarpiece in the context of art history?

The Ghent Altarpiece is considered a pivotal work in European art history, representing a significant advancement from medieval traditions towards Renaissance ideals. It is identified by some scholars as potentially the first major oil painting, showcasing groundbreaking techniques and detailed naturalism.

How is the Ghent Altarpiece structured in terms of its panels?

The altarpiece is organized into two vertical registers, with each register featuring double sets of foldable wings. This arrangement allows for two distinct views: an open view showcasing vibrant interior panels and a closed view revealing more subdued exterior panels.

What is depicted in the upper register of the open altarpiece?

The upper register of the open altarpiece primarily depicts heavenly redemption. It features a central Deësis arrangement with God (or Christ), the Virgin Mary, and John the Baptist, flanked by musical angels and the figures of Adam and Eve on the outermost panels.

What is shown in the lower register of the open altarpiece?

The lower register of the open altarpiece is unified by a continuous panoramic landscape. The central panel displays the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, surrounded by various groups of figures including saints, sinners, clergy, and soldiers, all overseen by the dove of the Holy Spirit.

What are the grisaille paintings on the closed outer panels?

The closed outer panels feature grisaille paintings, which are monochromatic works executed in shades of gray. Specifically, these depict St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist in the inner upper panels, and donor portraits of Joost Vijdt and Lysbette Borluut in the outer lower panels.

What is the debate surrounding the attribution of specific passages to Hubert and Jan van Eyck?

While art historians generally agree on the brothers' overall involvement, there has been considerable debate about which specific passages were painted by Hubert versus Jan. Despite attempts to differentiate their styles, no convincing separation of their contributions has been definitively established.

What did the inscription on the original frame of the altarpiece state about its creation?

A now-lost inscription on the original frame stated that Hubert van Eyck, described as 'greater than anyone,' started the altarpiece. It also mentioned that Jan van Eyck, calling himself 'second best in the art,' completed it in 1432.

What is the significance of Jan van Eyck's signature phrase 'ALS IK KAN'?

Jan van Eyck's signature phrase 'ALS IK KAN' translates to 'As I Can.' This phrase is believed to be a pun on his name, as 'Eyck' sounds similar to the Dutch word for 'oak,' and 'kan' can relate to 'can' or 'oak.' It reflects his artistic skill and perhaps a humble yet confident approach to his work.

How does the style and technique of the Ghent Altarpiece differ from other works attributed to Jan van Eyck?

The Ghent Altarpiece is unique in its scale and its intended purpose for public worship, unlike many of Jan van Eyck's other works designed for private display. It exhibits remarkable detail in both earthly elements, like clothing and nature, and religious themes, employing innovative lighting and glazing techniques.

What innovations in lighting and detail are evident in the Ghent Altarpiece?

The altarpiece showcases complex light effects and subtle plays of shadow, achieved through advanced oil painting techniques and transparent glazes. Innovations are also seen in the detailed rendering of surface textures, such as reflections on armor and water, contributing to a heightened sense of realism and spatial presence.

What is depicted in the central upper panel of the open altarpiece, and what is debated about it?

The central upper panel features a monumental Deësis with enthroned figures of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and a central figure. Art historians debate whether this central figure represents Christ in Majesty, God the Father, or a combined representation of the Holy Trinity.

What symbolism is present in the inscriptions and imagery on the central upper panel?

The central figure's mantle bears inscriptions from Revelation, identifying him as 'King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.' The throne's golden brocade features pelicans and vines, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice and the Eucharist, respectively.

Describe the depiction of the musical angels in the altarpiece.

Two panels feature choirs of angels, one with singing angels around a music stand and another with angels playing instruments like a pipe organ and stringed instruments. These angels are depicted in liturgical robes, but unusually lack wings and possess unidealized, individual expressions, suggesting a blend of heavenly and earthly qualities.

What are the notable features of the Adam and Eve panels?

The Adam and Eve panels, positioned on the outermost upper wings, depict the figures as near life-sized nudes standing in niches. They are notable for their realistic portrayal, their self-conscious attempts to cover their nakedness, and their forlorn expressions, representing humanity after the Fall of Man.

How do the Adam and Eve panels relate to Italian Renaissance art?

The realistic and direct treatment of the nude figures in the Adam and Eve panels is considered groundbreaking and contemporary with similar developments in Italian Renaissance art, such as Masaccio's figures in the 'Expulsion from the Garden of Eden'.

What historical reactions have the naked figures of Adam and Eve elicited?

The detailed depiction of Adam and Eve's nakedness has been controversial. Emperor Joseph II found them disagreeable in 1781 and wanted them removed, and 19th-century sensibilities led to their replacement with clothed reproductions in the cathedral.

What is depicted in the central lower panel, the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb'?

The central lower panel, measuring 134.3 x 237.5 cm, features an altar with the Lamb of God at its center, standing in a meadow with a fountain in the foreground. Surrounding the altar and fountain are various groups of figures representing different biblical and ecclesiastical figures, all converging in worship.

What is the symbolic meaning of the Lamb of God and the fountain in the central lower panel?

The Lamb of God, with a wound on its breast from which blood flows into a chalice, represents Christ's sacrifice. The fountain of life, inscribed with text from Revelation, symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and redemption offered through Christ's sacrifice.

How does the lighting in the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' panel differ from other parts of the altarpiece?

The central panel features a celestial, supernatural light emanating from the dove of the Holy Spirit above the Lamb. This contrasts with the natural, directional lighting found in the upper interior wings and outer panels, emphasizing the divine presence in this scene.

What is the significance of the detailed flora depicted in the altarpiece?

The altarpiece showcases an extraordinary level of botanical accuracy in its depiction of plants, herbs, and trees, many of which are identifiable. This detailed flora has been studied for centuries, with scholars identifying numerous species and exploring their potential Christian symbolism.

What is depicted on the exterior of the altarpiece when it is closed?

When closed, the altarpiece's exterior panels are executed with relative sparseness. The upper panels feature lunettes with prophets and sibyls, while the lower tier shows the donors, Joost Vijdt and Lysbette Borluut, on the outer panels, flanked by grisaille statues of saints.

What is the significance of the prophets and sibyls in the closed view's lunettes?

The prophets (Zechariah, Micah) and sibyls (Erythraean, Cumaean) depicted in the lunettes refer to prophecies foretelling the coming of Christ. Their texts, inscribed on floating ribbons, are presented as divine inspiration, linking the Old Testament and classical world to the Christian narrative.

How are the Annunciation panels structured and what do they depict?

The Annunciation panels, located on the outer middle register, show the Archangel Gabriel on the left and the Virgin Mary on the right, separated by narrow panels depicting unoccupied domestic interiors. Both figures are depicted in contemporary 15th-century settings, with Mary shown receiving Gabriel's message.

What is the significance of the scale of the figures in the Annunciation panels?

Mary and Gabriel are depicted disproportionately large relative to their surroundings, a convention followed from International Gothic and Byzantine traditions. This larger scale signifies them as heavenly apparitions momentarily present within the donor's space.

What is the historical journey of the Ghent Altarpiece, including thefts and damage?

The altarpiece has a tumultuous history, having survived iconoclasm, fires, and numerous thefts. It was plundered during the French Revolution and World Wars, hidden in salt mines, and has undergone multiple restorations due to damage sustained over centuries.

How did World War II affect the Ghent Altarpiece?

During World War II, the altarpiece was moved for safekeeping, first towards the Vatican, then stored in France, and eventually seized by Nazi Germany under Hitler's orders. It was moved to the Altaussee salt mines, where it suffered damage, before being recovered by Allied forces after the war.

What was the purpose of the commission of the Ghent Altarpiece by Joos Vijd and Lysbette Borluut?

The wealthy merchant Joos Vijd and his wife Lysbette Borluut commissioned the altarpiece primarily to secure a legacy and demonstrate their social prestige. It was also intended to ensure their position in the afterlife and to surpass other endowments in Ghent.

What is the significance of the 'Just Judges' panel, and why is its absence notable?

The 'Just Judges' panel is part of the lower register and is unusual as it depicts judges, not canonized saints, possibly referencing Joost Vijd's civic role. This panel was stolen in 1934 and remains missing, making it a unique loss in the altarpiece's history.

What recent restoration efforts have been undertaken on the Ghent Altarpiece?

A major restoration program began in 2012 and continued through 2020, involving the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage. This project utilized advanced imaging techniques and mathematical methods to uncover original paint layers, remove overpainting, and reveal details like the humanized face of the Lamb of God.

What was discovered during the recent restoration regarding the outer panels?

During the restoration between 2012 and 2016, it was discovered that approximately 70% of the outer panels' surface had been overpainted in the 16th century. Advanced imaging techniques allowed conservators to detect and remove this overpainting, revealing the original artistry.

What is the significance of the aerial perspective in the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Ghent Altarpiece features the first known example of aerial perspective in art within its far landscape. This technique, where distant objects appear less distinct and bluer, creates a greater sense of depth and realism in the painted scene.

What is the meaning of the inscriptions on the frames of the 'Musical Angels' panels?

The frame of the left-hand musical angel panel is inscribed with 'MELOS DEO LAUS' ('Music in Praise of God'), while the right-hand panel reads 'LAUDATE EUM IN CORDIS ET ORGANO' ('Praise him with stringed instruments and organs'), highlighting the divine purpose of the music depicted.

How did the altarpiece's original frame differ from its current state?

The original frame was very ornate and carved, likely harmonizing with the painted tracery. However, it was destroyed during the Protestant Reformation, and the altarpiece now lacks this original surround, which may have included mechanisms for moving shutters or playing music.

What is the significance of the depiction of the donors, Joost Vijd and Lysbette Borluut?

The donors are depicted in life-size on the outer lower panels, rendered with unflinching realism that details their aging features. Their brightly colored clothing contrasts with the gray, lifeless saints in the adjacent grisaille panels, emphasizing their earthly presence and the altarpiece's commission.

What biblical figures are represented in the lower register groups flanking the central Adoration panel?

The lower register features groups representing various figures from the Old and New Testaments. These include Warriors of Christ and Just Judges on the left, and holy hermits and pilgrims on the right, all converging towards the Mystic Lamb.

Who are some of the identifiable figures among the pilgrims and hermits?

Among the pilgrims is Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. Mary Magdalene, carrying unguents, is depicted at the rear of the hermits on the inner right-hand panel.

What is the significance of the three popes depicted in the lower register?

The presence of three popes, identifiable as Martin V, Gregory VII, and Antipope Alexander V, is significant as it represents the Western Schism. Their positioning together may suggest an atmosphere of reconciliation, reflecting the complex religious and political landscape of the time.

What symbolic meaning is associated with the flora depicted in the altarpiece?

Many of the meticulously rendered plants in the Ghent Altarpiece carry Christian symbolism. For instance, lilies are often associated with the Virgin Mary's purity, and vines can allude to the Eucharist.

What historical events led to the altarpiece being moved to the town hall during the Reformation?

During the Protestant Reformation and the associated iconoclasm (Beeldenstorm), the altarpiece was moved from its chapel to prevent damage. It was initially placed in the attic and later relocated to the Ghent town hall, where it remained for two decades.

What role did the Getty Foundation play in the recent restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Getty Foundation provided funding for the restoration program that began in October 2012 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent. This significant financial support enabled the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) to carry out the extensive conservation work.

What was the notable change in the 'Lamb of God' panel after the 2020 restoration?

A significant change after the 2020 restoration was the uncovering of the original face of the Lamb of God. This revealed unusually humanoid features, with forward-facing eyes that appear to look directly at the viewer, a stark contrast to previous interpretations.

What is the significance of the inscription on the fountain's rim?

The inscription on the fountain's rim reads 'HIC EST FONS AQUE VITE PROCEDENS DE SEDE DEI + AGNI,' which translates to 'This is the fountain of the water of life, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.' This text from Revelation symbolizes the fountain's connection to divine life and redemption.

How did the altarpiece's journey through France during World War II highlight international cooperation and conflict?

While being transported to the Vatican for safety during WWII, the altarpiece was stored in Pau, France, due to Italy's entry into the war. An agreement was made among French, Belgian, and German military representatives requiring unanimous consent for its movement, reflecting the complex political situation and the painting's high value.

What is the significance of the 'Vera Icon' or 'Head of Christ' attributed to Jan van Eyck?

The 'Vera Icon' or 'Head of Christ' is a lost work attributed to Jan van Eyck, believed to have been created before 1438. Such depictions of Christ's face were significant in religious art, often serving as devotional images or representations of the divine.

What does the depiction of the Cumaean Sibyl suggest about potential influences on Van Eyck?

The Cumaean Sibyl's facial features have been suggested to resemble Isabella of Portugal, wife of Philip the Good, as portrayed in Van Eyck's lost portrait. Some art historians speculate that the text in the sibyl's banderole might also allude to the birth of Philip's son, suggesting a connection between the artwork and contemporary events.

What is the meaning of the inscriptions above the Virgin Mary in the Deësis panel?

The inscriptions above the Virgin Mary read: 'She is more beautiful than the sun and the army of the stars; compared to the light she is superior. She is truly the reflection of eternal light and a spotless mirror of God.' These phrases emphasize her divine beauty and purity.

What is the significance of the 'Als Ik Kan' signature found on some of Van Eyck's works, including potentially the Ghent Altarpiece?

'Als Ik Kan' translates to 'As I Can' and is thought to be a personal motto or pun on Jan van Eyck's name. It suggests a blend of humility and confidence in his artistic abilities, reflecting his dedication to producing the best possible work.

Ghent Altarpiece Wiki: The Ghent Altarpiece: A Renaissance Masterpiece Unveiled

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Overview

A Monumental Work

The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is an immense and intricate 15th-century polyptych altarpiece. Housed in St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium, it stands as a pivotal work marking the transition from medieval artistic traditions to the burgeoning Renaissance.

Early Netherlandish Pinnacle

Attributed to the Early Netherlandish painters and brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck, it is widely regarded as a masterpiece of European art. Some scholars identify it as the "first major oil painting," highlighting its groundbreaking use of the medium.

Commission and Completion

Commissioned by the wealthy merchant Jodocus Vijd and his wife Lysbette Borluut, its creation spanned from the mid-1420s, with completion celebrated in 1432. The work represents a significant advancement in realism and technique.

Attribution

The Van Eyck Brothers

Art historical consensus suggests the overall design and structure were conceived by Hubert van Eyck, likely before 1422. His younger brother, Jan van Eyck, is credited with the execution of most of the panels between 1430 and 1432. However, definitively separating their individual contributions remains a subject of scholarly debate.

Historical Accounts

A lost inscription on the original frame reportedly stated that Hubert began the work, being "greater than anyone," while Jan, considering himself "second best in the art," completed it. Jan's signature and dating on a reverse frame further support the brothers' involvement.

Scholarly Debate

While earlier theories proposed Jan assembled unfinished panels after Hubert's death, modern scholarship, supported by dendrochronology indicating wood felling dates around 1421, suggests a more integrated collaboration. The lack of surviving works definitively attributed to Hubert makes stylistic comparisons challenging.

Style & Technique

Innovation in Oil

The Ghent Altarpiece is celebrated for its masterful application of oil paint, utilizing transparent glazes to achieve remarkable depth, luminosity, and subtle color variations. This technique allowed for an unprecedented level of detail and realism.

Observational Acuity

Van Eyck's meticulous attention to the natural world is evident in the detailed rendering of flora, fauna, textiles, and landscapes. The work exhibits an almost scientific accuracy in its depiction of vegetation and the pioneering use of aerial perspective in distant scenes.

Mastery of Light

Complex light effects and subtle plays of shadow are key innovations. The lighting often emanates from outside the pictorial space, enhancing the spatial presence of figures and objects. This sophisticated handling of light contributes significantly to the altarpiece's lifelike quality.

The Open View

Upper Register: The Divine

The upper register features monumental panels depicting the heavenly realm. Central figures include an enthroned Christ (or God the Father), the Virgin Mary, and John the Baptist, flanked by singing angels and the figures of Adam and Eve.

The central figure, often identified as Christ in Majesty, is adorned with inscriptions referencing divine titles. Mary, depicted as a bride, holds a book, while John the Baptist points towards the Lamb of God. The musical angels, rendered with remarkable naturalism, are dressed in liturgical robes, suggesting the celebration of Mass.

The panels of Adam and Eve are notable for their early, direct depiction of the nude form, presenting them self-consciously covering themselves after the Fall, with symbolic elements like fruit and detailed physiognomy.

Lower Register: The Devotional

This register presents a unified, panoramic landscape culminating in the central panel: the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Numerous figures representing various groups of saints, martyrs, prophets, and penitents converge to worship the Lamb.

The central scene features an altar with the Lamb of God, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice, surrounded by angels holding symbols of the Passion. A fountain of life flows in the foreground, symbolizing baptism and redemption. The surrounding crowds are meticulously detailed, representing figures from both the Old and New Testaments, as well as pagan philosophers and contemporary church figures.

The landscape itself is a marvel, showcasing detailed flora and pioneering aerial perspective, creating a rich, symbolic setting for the divine event.

The Closed View

Austere Exterior

When closed, the altarpiece presents a more restrained aesthetic, dominated by grisaille (monochromatic) paintings that mimic stone sculptures. This contrast highlights the richness of the interior revealed on feast days.

Prophets, Sibyls, and Annunciation

The upper register features lunettes containing prophets and sibyls, gazing downwards, referencing prophecies of Christ's coming. Below these, the Annunciation is depicted, with the Archangel Gabriel on one side and the Virgin Mary on the other, separated by narrow panels showing domestic interiors.

Gabriel's greeting, "Ave gracia plena," and Mary's reply, "Ecce ancilla domini," are inscribed, with Mary's response appearing upside down, perhaps intended for divine reading. The figures are depicted with a scale disproportionate to their surroundings, a convention reflecting heavenly apparitions.

Donors and Saints

The lower register panels showcase the donors, Jodocus Vijd and Lysbette Borluut, rendered with unflinching realism, emphasizing their piety and status. They kneel within niches, gazing towards the central devotional scenes. Flanking them are grisaille figures of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist.

The donors are depicted with remarkable detail, capturing signs of age and piety. Their vibrant clothing contrasts with the cool, stone-like appearance of the saints, emphasizing the earthly nature of the patrons versus the spiritual representation of the saints.

History & Survival

A Turbulent Past

The Ghent Altarpiece has endured a tumultuous history since its installation in 1432. It has survived iconoclasm during the Reformation, multiple thefts, fires, wartime confiscations, and extensive restorations, making it one of the most historically significant and resilient artworks.

Global Journeys

During World War I and II, the altarpiece was moved multiple times for safekeeping, including periods in France and Nazi Germany's salt mine repositories. Its recovery after WWII was a major event, celebrated by Allied forces and Belgian royalty.

Ordered seized by Adolf Hitler, the panels were moved to Germany and eventually stored in the Altaussee salt mines, suffering damage. Recovered by the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, they were returned to Belgium in 1945.

Enduring Mysteries

Key panels, such as "The Just Judges," have been stolen and never recovered, adding to the altarpiece's mystique. The ongoing debate about attribution and the precise meaning of certain elements continues to fascinate art historians and the public alike.

Restorations

Ongoing Conservation

The altarpiece has undergone numerous restorations throughout its history, beginning as early as the 16th century. These efforts, while sometimes damaging, have aimed to preserve the work against the ravages of time and environmental factors.

Modern Techniques

A major restoration project, initiated in 2012 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent, employed advanced imaging and mathematical techniques. This revealed significant overpainting from earlier restorations, allowing for the uncovering of Van Eyck's original details.

The recent restoration notably uncovered the original, uniquely "humanoid" face of the Lamb of God and revealed the intricate details of the outer panels, previously obscured by centuries of overpainting. This process has provided invaluable insights into Van Eyck's original intentions and techniques.

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References

Duby, George, A History of Private Life, Vol 2 Revelations of the Medieval World, 1988 (English translation), p. 582, Belknap Press, Harvard University

Sam Segal: "The Genter Plants in the Altar." In: De arte et libris. Erasmus 1934-1984, Amsterdam 1984.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ghent Altarpiece Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While based on extensive research and the provided source material, it may not capture every nuance or interpretation of this complex masterpiece. Art historical analysis is an evolving field, and direct engagement with primary sources and scholarly works is encouraged for a comprehensive understanding.

This is not art historical advice. The information presented here should not substitute consultation with qualified art historians, conservators, or cultural heritage professionals. Always verify information and consult experts for specific research or curatorial needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Ghent Altarpiece

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🖼️ A Monumental Work

🎨 Early Netherlandish Pinnacle

📜 Commission and Completion

Attribution 👤

🤝 The Van Eyck Brothers

✍️ Historical Accounts

🤔 Scholarly Debate

Style & Technique ✨

💡 Innovation in Oil

🌳 Observational Acuity

💡 Mastery of Light

The Open View 🐑

👑 Upper Register: The Divine

🌿 Lower Register: The Devotional

The Closed View 🏛️

⚪ Austere Exterior

📜 Prophets, Sibyls, and Annunciation

👤 Donors and Saints

History & Survival ⏳

⚔️ A Turbulent Past

🌍 Global Journeys

❓ Enduring Mysteries

Restorations 🛠️

🔬 Ongoing Conservation

✨ Modern Techniques

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Monumental Work

Early Netherlandish Pinnacle

Commission and Completion

Attribution

The Van Eyck Brothers

Historical Accounts

Scholarly Debate

Style & Technique

Innovation in Oil

Observational Acuity

Mastery of Light

The Open View

Upper Register: The Divine

Lower Register: The Devotional

The Closed View

Austere Exterior

Prophets, Sibyls, and Annunciation

Donors and Saints

History & Survival

A Turbulent Past

Global Journeys

Enduring Mysteries

Restorations

Ongoing Conservation

Modern Techniques

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice