Ghent Altarpiece: The Annunciation

For this post, I am sharing the image from one of my favorite holiday cards. And sharing it reluctantly, for I’ve sent many copies of this particular card to friends over the years. This is my last copy, and there are no more to send out. I can’t imagine how many of these I must have carried away from the cathedral shop! I brought them all home, and I’ve been using this as one of my Christmas cards ever since.

In 2004, when Andrew and I visited Sint-Baafskathedraal-Gent, I was overwhelmed by the spectacular beauty of what we were seeing. I gave special attention to this painting, and over the years I’ve loved looking at the image, thinking about what I was seeing, and sharing it with friends.

Here is something about what we saw, based on how Andrew described the altarpiece when he wrote about it in another context.

“The world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece,” Andrew wrote, “is no longer used as an altarpiece. It now is located in a large chapel at the rear of the cathedral. And all the better, from our perspective, since in that setting one can completely circle it and see details of both front and back that would not be evident if it were still being used as an altarpiece.”

Considered one of the greatest accomplishments of Flemish art, it’s not possible to see the painting without agreeing with that judgment. One interesting fact about the overall altarpiece is that the original commission had been to Hubert van Eyck, but after his death his younger brother Jan took over and executed most of the painting.

As for “The Angel’s Annunciation,” it spreads across the two back panels. To me this is one of the most remarkable elements of the painting, as it includes a lovely view of medieval Ghent out of the window.

Perhaps even more amazing is the detail to be seen in the painting, demonstrating the remarkable talent and equally remarkable patience of Jan van Eyck. As Andrew put it: “Costumes, folds of garments, faces, landscapes, all were painted with the same amazing detail. That such detail does not fragment but rather enhances the grand vision of the painting is truly astounding.”

Could there be a better image for wishing one’s friends Happy Holidays?

I don’t think so. If you agree with me, take this wish as Guy and Andrew’s message to you this holiday season.