A Landmark Assembly of Jan Van Eyck Paintings Celebrates His Stunning Eye for Natural Detail—See Highlights Here
While museums around the globe are closed to the public, we
are spotlighting each day an inspiring exhibition that was
previously on view. Even if you can’t see it in person, allow us to
give you a virtual look.
“Van Eyck. An Optical Revolution”
Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK)
What the museum says: “The
exhibition unravels the myths about the artist and considers
his technique, his oeuvre and his influence from a fresh
perspective…
In order to contextualize Van Eyck’s optical revolution, his
paintings will be shown alongside works by his most talented
contemporaries from Germany, France, Italy and Spain. These artists
also moved in exalted circles and received prestigious commissions.
The exhibition focuses on the artistic similarities and differences
between their works, thus delving deeper into the historical
context in which they were created.”
Why it’s worth a look: Of the
approximately 20 works by Van Eyck that are preserved, more than
half will be reunited in this landmark show at the Museum of Fine
Arts, many seen together for the first time ever.
The showstopper is, of course, The Adoration of the
Mystic Lamb, also known as the Ghent Altarpiece, which
cemented van Eyck’s reputation as an unparalleled master of his
craft. After a long restoration process carried out by MSK between
2012 and 2016, the outer panels will be on view, showing the
scientific precision Jan and his brother, Hubert, brought to the
task.
Van Eyck worked in the court as a painter for Phillip the Good,
while also catering to the wealthy merchants who populated the
cities of Ghent and Bruges. His knowledge of the natural world and
keen eye for detail helped make paintings that reflected a world
that was beyond what had ever been created by an artist before.
What it looks like:
Jan and Hubert van Eyck, The
Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (1432). Saint Bavo’s Cathedral,
Ghent. © www.lukasweb.be – Art in Flanders vzw.
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
Anonymous, after Jan van Eyck, The
Triptych of Petrus Wyts (first half 17th century (center
panel); first half 16th center (outer panels)). Groeningemuseum,
Bruges
© www.lukasweb.be – Art in Flanders vzw. Photo Hugo Maertens.
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
Tapestry with Scenes from the Passion
of Christ: Christ Carrying the Cross, The Crucifixion and The
Resurrection, (ca. 1445-1455). Royal Museums of Art and History
of Belgium, Brussels ©KMKG, Brussels.
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
Jan van Eyck, The Madonna at the
Fountain (1439). Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp. Photo Hugo
Maertens.
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
Installation of Jan van Eyck,
Portrait of a man with a blue chaperon (ca. 1428-30). Muzeul
National Brukenthal Sibiu Romania. Courtesy MSK Ghent, Photo: David
Levene.
Jan van Eyck, Portrait of a Man with
a Blue Chaperon (ca. 1428-30). Muzeul National Brukenthal,
Sibiu (Romania).
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
Installation view, “Van Eyck. An Optical
Revolution” at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK). Photograph by
David Levene.
The post A Landmark Assembly of Jan Van Eyck Paintings
Celebrates His Stunning Eye for Natural Detail—See Highlights
Here appeared first on artnet News.
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