Ghent Sights

The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

#3 of 82 things to do in Ghent

#354 of 49063 things to do in Europe

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: Families, art, An interest in ancient history, adults, spirituality. religious

  • Address
    • City Centre St Baaf's Cathedral
  • Price
    • adult/child €3/€1.50
  • Hours
    • 09:30-16:30 Mon-Sat & 13:00-16:30 Sun Apr-Oct, 10:30-15:30 Mon-Sat & 13:00-15:30 Sun Nov-Mar

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Lonely Planet review for The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

Formidable queues form to see The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (De Aanbidding van het Lams God), a lavish representation of medieval religious thinking that is one of the earliest-known oil paintings. Completed in 1432, it was painted as an altarpiece by Flemish Primitive artist Jan Van Eyck, and has 20 panels (originally the interior panels were displayed only on important religious occasions, but these days they're always open to view).

The work represents an allegorical glorification of Christ's death: on the upper tier sits God the Father flanked by the Virgin and John the Baptist and on the outer panels are the nude Adam and Eve. The lower tier centres on the lamb, symbolising the sacrifice made by Christ, surrounded by all manner of religious figures and a landscape dotted with local church towers. The luminous colours and the rich, detailed crowd scenes are stunning.

The painting has had an illustrious history - the Calvinists nearly destroyed it; Austria's Emperor Joseph II was horrified by the nude Adam and Eve and had the panels replaced with clothed versions (the originals are now back in place); and the painting was marched off to Paris during the French Revolution and was later stolen by the Germans who concealed it in an Austrian salt mine during WWII. The panel De Rechtvaardige Rechters (The Fair Judges), stolen in 1934, is still missing.

 

Traveller reviews for The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (1)

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    History and religion combined at its best

    blondewithabrainil recommends this,

    The Adoration of the Lamb is one of the most significant pieces of religious art ever created. The detail is exquisite and the sheer size of the piece is awe-inspiring. I do suggest picking up a book or doing a web search prior to your visit so that you can fully appreciate the symbolism and meanings behind the images in the triptych. The painter, Van Eyck, was a contemporary of Rembrandt and every bit as talented. Adding to the total experience is that the piece is still exhibited in the original space for which it was painted. Not many pieces can claim that.

    Allow at least an hour for a quick viewing and for those who want to really appreciate and study it, a full 4 hours is about right. Others in a group who are less interested in the altar piece will be able to appreciate the rest of St Bavo's cathedral and the many other pieces of art and architecture while those enthralled with the Van Eyck masterpiece are busy.

    Good for: Families, art, An interest in ancient history, adults, spirituality. religious

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