Van Eyck, Ghent Altarpiece (1 of 2)

Jan van Eyck, Ghent Altarpiece (closed), completed 1432, oil on wood, 11’ 5” x 7’ 6” (Saint Bavo Cathedral, Ghent, Belgium). Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

[@vo4447]

The 8th wonder of the world. The most beautifull paint in the world. No words to discribe this absolute masterpiece.

[@peroz1000]

Marvelously detailed.

[@adelinehorst7359]

Very beautiful and interesting presentation thank you for sharing this information

[@god5535]

One of the greatest gifts that I had from an art history class in college was the introduction to Smarthistory. Very eloquent, articulate and lucid presentation.

[@Madxmonk]

I actually went to Ghent and saw these panels back in 1999. My intentions of going to Ghent was not to see this artwork, rather it was more or less a fieldtrip to an old town to see the old world charm while trapezing around Europe. Seeing the painting wasn't something I even knew existed. Entering the cathedral and walking up to the paintings I couldn't help noticing that the depictions of Adam and Eve were startling wrong! They have bellybuttons. If the story of Adam and Eve is correct, neither should be doning an umbilical connection port. When I mentioned this to the women who took me to Ghent, her mouth dropped. Now I know that when this cat painted this thing, the medical science may not have been known enough for him to deduce that these 2 subjects should stand sans bellybuttons, but come on. Has anyone run into any depictions of our first couple without bellybuttons?

[@AlishaNic]

+Madxmonk Wow that's such an Amazing point I would have never thought of. You have a very, very keen eye!

[@vogun52]

I don't think they had heard the old and popular lateral thinking puzzle you allude to, back then. The puzzle goes like this.. “A man died and went to Heaven. There were thousands of other people there. They were all naked and all looked as they did at the age of 21. He looked around to see if there was anyone he recognized. He saw a couple and he knew immediately that they were Adam and Eve. How did he know?” or simply, “How will you recognize Adam and Eve in heaven“. I'm not a religious guy but I got a great deal more from the picture than, that there were navals on Adam & Eve. One of the great pictures, go see if you have the chance.

[@amygiacomelliart]

The terrible sound quality in this vid made me bail early

[@bobski36]

I cannot tell you how excited I am to be going to see this in person in 8 weeks. I was supposed to go in March of 2020, but Covid set all my plans back by a few years.

[@KarentheGreat247]

Love the Northern Renaissance but especially pieces like this which are on the border between Renaissance and Medieval.

[@micah0605]

Saw it today at Ghett. Unbelievable.

[@stefaand7181]

The missing panel might return very soon. Its said a rich family in Gent has it in its possession so now after 80 years it might return they are investigating the new news. But its very likely its true. They also said its been restaurated recently so its in superior condition.

[@itzelescobedo1468]

These videos are also available in Khan Academy

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Yes. We put them there.

[@cobaltlima9826]

No, obviously the Vespers have it. :D shmeh.

[@dieterwvl]

Don't focus too much on the lost panel and enjoy the ones that are left. For the last 100 years it has a rich history of where it could have been hidden but personally I think it's hanging somewhere locally in someone's living room

[@thelastbakura9603]

I’m wondering where is that missing panel now

[@francescaemc2]

grazie