“The Ghent Altarpiece (exterior)” is a renowned religious painting created by Jan van Eyck in 1432, utilizing oil on wood as the medium. This masterpiece, measuring 350 x 223 cm, is a significant work within the Northern Renaissance art movement. It is part of “The Ghent Altarpiece” series and is currently housed in the St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium.
The artwork depicts an intricately detailed polyptych, divided into multiple panels that narrate various biblical scenes. The upper panels feature figures such as prophets, angels, and the Annunciation scene, with the archangel Gabriel on the left and the Virgin Mary on the right, both set within an architectural interior. The lower panels illustrate figures in sculptural niches, highlighting the patrons, prophets, and other significant religious figures. The meticulous use of oil paint enables van Eyck to achieve a remarkable depth and realism, emphasizing textures, intricate details, and a play of light that gives the figures a lifelike presence. The composition and iconography exemplify the Northern Renaissance’s fascination with naturalism and complex symbolism, making “The Ghent Altarpiece (exterior)” an enduring masterpiece of its time.
