JAN VAN EYCK: Born before 1395, Maaseik, Bishopric of Liège, Holy Roman Empire [now in Belgium.] His naturalistic panel paintings, mostly portraits and religious subjects, made extensive use of disguised religious symbols. After his death in 1441 he was buried in the Church of Saint-Donatian, in Bruges.
Jan and Hubert van Eyck's famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, ranks among the most significant works of art in Europe. The large and complex altarpiece suffered a varied history over the centuries. Dismantled, stolen, and damaged many times over, it was reassembled, cleaned, and restored after World War II. Regardless, the Altarpiece remains a sterling example of a polyptych, or hinged, multi-panelled painting: as the folding Altarpiece is opened, it reveals additional subjects and narratives to its audience. The van Eyck altarpiece consists of twenty four panels of varying sizes and shapes aligned in two rows; twelve panels are visible with the Altarpiece open, and twelve when closed. These panels depict the Redemption of Man, a popular theme in Renaissance art. The bottom registry of the Altarpiece is dominated by its most famous artwork, The Adoration of the Lamb by All Saints. Laden with symbolism, The Adoration depicts the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, as the Just Judges, The Warriors of Christ, the Holy Hermits and the Holy Pilgrims convene.
