“The Ghent Altar (detail)” is an exquisite artwork created by Jan van Eyck in 1432. This piece is a part of “The Ghent Altarpiece” series, executed in oil on wood during the Northern Renaissance. It portrays a religious theme and is located at the St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium.
The artwork depicts two figures in a remarkably detailed and highly realistic manner, characteristic of van Eyck’s work. The left panel portrays a man with curly hair draped in an intricately rendered robe, holding a symbolic object, possibly a lamb, signifying purity and sacrifice. The right panel illustrates a woman in a prayer pose, adorned in a voluminous red dress with a white headdress. Both figures are framed by Gothic arches, enhancing the ethereal and solemn atmosphere. The meticulous attention to detail, the play of light and shadow, and the rich textures embodied in the garments exemplify the mastery of Jan van Eyck and the splendor of the Northern Renaissance.
