“The Ghent Altarpiece (detail)”, created by Jan van Eyck in 1432, is an iconic example of the Northern Renaissance art movement. Painted with oil on panel, this artwork is part of the larger series known as “The Ghent Altarpiece” and depicts a cityscape. The artwork is located in St. Bavo Cathedral, Ghent, Belgium.
The artwork captures a serene and meticulously detailed vista of a medieval cityscape, observed through a series of arched windows. The buildings appear uniform and orderly, reflecting the architectural sophistication of the period. A centrally positioned column divides the view, emphasizing the perspective and depth meticulously employed by the artist. The golden light, combined with the intricate brushwork, gives the scene a luminous quality, typical of Jan van Eyck’s masterful technique.