Art of My Choice: Brussels

    Oh my goodness do you see this behind me?! This is the Ghent Altarpiece painted by two brothers Hubert and Jan Van Eyck. The colors are so vivid and deep. I especially love the depiction of Mary because of the beautiful blue shades of her dress. The border on her dress as well as her crown display ornate and highly detailed brushwork. I’m an artist myself and I can assure you that that is mad impressive. Mary herself is one of three figures that create a triangle with Jesus at the top.I love the way shape plays into this piece. We see the triangle again in the lowest panel. The lamb, representing Christ,  the top and the corners are created by the crowds. This is mirrored above in an inverted triangle. To me, this is saying that Christ is the focus. 

From what we learned, This piece is highly significant. It was the birth of an age of artistic masterpieces. It was the first great oil painting and the first great panel painting. After seeing it, I understand now why it caused such a stir. It was beautiful, captivating, all encompassing, and I felt like I wanted to try painting with my grandma’s oils, just to see if I could do anything that would come near to it. I’m sure artists of the time felt an even greater level of inspiration. From there we got even more great pieces of artwork. That is why I believe that it is culturally and historically notable. 

This piece was created and resides in Ghent. The piece's history and impact is quite notable, and by having it in town still, it elevates the city's artistic status and importance. Additionally it brings people in from all over, like us, to come see it. Also, it resides in a beautiful chapel. I am of the opinion that beauty enhances culture because it requires art. Most often a mastery of art requires education, good artists create images that inspire others to elevate themselves. It causes people to think outside the here and now. That is why having this image here continues to make Ghent a cultural capital.  


Cited Sources: “The Ghent Altarpiece.” Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Ghent, www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/en/history/the-ghent-altarpiece/. Accessed 8 May 2024.

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