Ghent Altarpiece

The Ghent Altarpiece, completed by Jan van Eyck in 1432 (with possible contributions by his brother Hubert), is one of the most important works in Western art history. This monumental polyptych in Saint Bavo's Cathedral, Ghent, comprises twelve panels depicting the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb and was revolutionary in its mastery of oil painting technique. It has been called the most stolen artwork in history, having been targeted in thirteen crimes including Napoleon's seizure and Nazi looting.

Van Eyck's unprecedented command of oil glazing creates luminous, jewel-like colors with extraordinary detail in textures—from fabrics to gems to landscape—establishing a new standard for naturalistic representation in European painting.