1.16: The Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb)
- Page ID
- 359664
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Artist: Jan van Eyck (and Hubert van Eyck)
Medium: Oil on Wood
Art Historical Time Period: Northern Renaissance (1432)
The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is a monumental polyptych created by Jan and Hubert van Eyck in 1432. This masterpiece was commissioned for St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent to honor the church's religious significance. It features intricate depictions of biblical scenes, saints, angels, Adam and Eve, and the Lamb of God — symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice.
What made the Ghent Altarpiece innovative was its detailed realism, vibrant color palette, and use of oil paint to achieve stunning effects of light and texture. The work’s central panel is a masterpiece of symbolism and perspective. It had a profound influence on European art and helped define the role of altarpieces in public devotion.
Vocabulary
- Perspective – The technique of showing depth on a flat surface.
- Polyptych – A painting divided into multiple hinged panels.
- Symbolism – Using visual elements to represent deeper meanings.
Student Authors
- Aaron Lopez ’23 and Natalia Quintero ’25
References and Image Attribution
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