Who Painted the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Ghent Altarpiece (c. 1425 - 1432) was painted by the Flemish artist Jan van Eyck. Scholarly sources also state that Jan’s brother, Hubert van Eyck, started the altarpiece and completed the underpaintings. However, he died in 1426 and it was left to Jan van Eyck to complete.

Where Is the Ghent Altarpiece Housed?

The Ghent Altarpiece is housed in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. It was originally housed in the Vijd Chapel, which was the name of the commissioners of the polyptych, Jodocus Vijd, and his wife, Lysbette Borluut.

What Type of Painting Is the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Ghent Altarpiece is a polyptych panel painting, as it is composed of several panels that are joined. There are 24 panels collectively, and it folds open and closed. On the closed view there are 12 panels when counting the lunettes on the upper part, and on the open view, there are also 12 panels, divided into two registers or levels.

Who Commissioned the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Ghent Altarpiece was commissioned by the Jodocus Vijd and his wife, Lysbette Borluut. They were wealthy merchants and according to scholarly theories, their payment for the polyptych provided a way for them to atone for their wealth so to say, and to directly showcase the wealth they had.

Artist Abstract: Who Was Jan van Eyck?

The Early Netherlandish painter known as Jan van Eyck was born in the city of Maaseyck in Belgium. His date of birth has been placed approximately between 1390 and 1395 until 1441, when he died on July 9 in Bruges. Van Eyck had three siblings: one sister, Margareta, and two brothers, Hubert, and Lambert, all of whom were also painters. He was also believed to have apprenticed with his older brother, Hubert. Van Eyck became one of the pioneering artists of his time, known as one of the Flemish Primitives.

Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck - Studying Jan van Eyck's Iconic Work