VERONA Project: Unlocking the Artistic Codes of Jan van Eyck 

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1. Who Was Jan van Eyck?
2. Closer to Van Eyck
3. Wrap-Up & Resources

Part I. The Ghent Altarpiece Restore

Visit Part I

The first section, The Ghent Altarpiece Restored, offers an in-depth visual analysis of The Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), a monumental and intricate polyptych housed in Belgium’s Saint Bavo Cathedral, Ghent. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic multi-panel altarpieces of the Renaissance, it was co-created in the 15th century by Jan van Eyck and his brother Hubert.

When closed, the altarpiece measures 375×260 cm, expanding to an awe-inspiring 375×520 cm when opened. This masterpiece of Northern European painting is composed of 24 hinged panels, offering dual imagery when alternately closed and opened.In its closed state, the altarpiece depicts serene, everyday scenes, including the patrons, the Annunciation, and figures of Saint John, rendered with grisaille (gray tones mimicking sculptural relief) to convey a solemn religious atmosphere. When opened, it unveils a vivid, richly detailed vision of the heavenly realm, showcasing unparalleled artistic brilliance and spiritual depth.

The inner panels of the upper register reveal the glory of heaven, with Christ enthroned majestically at the center, flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Angels in choir and musicians playing instruments fill the surrounding panels, creating a visual symphony of divine music, underscoring harmony and sacredness.
The lower register presents The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a powerful allegory of Christ’s redemption. At the center, the lamb radiates divine light, surrounded by a diverse congregation of figures, including prophets, apostles, saints, and groups representing secular and religious authority. The composition is meticulously structured, its profound symbolism resonating across time.

When closed, the outer panels weave gray tones and color to narrate prophecies and religious stories. The upper register features Old Testament prophets and classical sibyls, foretelling Christ’s salvation. These figures, rendered in grisaille, evoke a sculptural relief effect against minimalistic backgrounds, enhancing a sense of mystery.
The middle register showcases the Annunciation, with the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary in a dialogue steeped in theological significance. The symmetrical composition, brimming with detail, captures Mary’s humility and acceptance, a theme reflecting the fusion of humanity and divinity.
On the lower register, the patrons, Joos Vijd and his wife, kneel in devotion alongside representations of Saint John, embodying an enduring testament to piety and faith.

Differences and Changes Before and After Restoration

During the restoration process of The Ghent Altarpiece in 1950–1951, a layer of glossy varnish was applied to the painting. Over time, this varnish yellowed, altering the artwork’s visual effect. The Closer to Van Eyck project employs advanced imaging technologies to reveal the differences and transformations before and after the recent restoration, offering viewers an intricate understanding of every subtle change during the process.

Macrophotography: This technique captures ultra-high-resolution images of the surface, showcasing details of color, gloss, and brushwork. It allows viewers to compare the artwork’s condition before, during, and after restoration, revealing the impact of the conservation efforts on surface details.

Infrared Macrophotography: Infrared imaging penetrates surface layers to expose underlying content, such as preparatory sketches. It is particularly effective in revealing changes in warm tones and white pigments, though less so for cooler hues.

Infrared Reflectography (IRR): This method uncovers the underdrawing beneath the paint layers, providing insight into the compositional evolution of figures and objects. It highlights Van Eyck’s adjustments and creative decisions during the painting process.

X-radiography: By examining the internal structure of the paint layers and support, this technique analyzes pigment density and distribution. It also reveals past damages and traces of previous restorations. Unlike infrared, X-rays penetrate both the paint and wooden support, offering a view of the underlying framework and earlier layers beneath the surface.

These technologies, presented through the Closer to Van Eyck project, not only restore the painting’s original brilliance but also deepen our appreciation for Van Eyck’s meticulous craftsmanship and the challenges of preserving such a masterpiece.

Part II. Further works by Jan van Eyck

Visit Part II

The second part, Further works by Jan van Eyck, offers two display modes—Map and Wall—for in-depth exploration. The Map view organizes Van Eyck’s works according to their collection locations, while the Wall view arranges them by size. In both modes, viewers can select individual artworks to interactively zoom in and explore intricate details.

Each painting is modularly divided into numerous detailed sections, all of which can be magnified for high-quality viewing. Users can pan and zoom to freely explore Van Eyck’s meticulous details. For example, in The Ghent Altarpiece, viewers can closely examine the texture of angel feathers or the sheen of jeweled ornaments.

This interface allows seamless toggling between multiple imaging techniques, such as visible light, infrared reflectography, and X-radiography, providing a comprehensive multi-layered perspective of Van Eyck’s artistry. The core of this modular design is to unveil the painting’s creation process and hidden layers, offering insights into details invisible to the naked eye.

REFERENCE

• Jan van Eyck. (2025, January 2). In Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_van_Eyck
• Ghent Altarpiece (2025, January 2). In Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghent_Altarpiece
• Close to Van Eyck. (n.d.). Closer to Van Eyck: Ghent Altarpiece. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from https://closertovaneyck.kikirpa.be/ghentaltarpiece/#home/sub=open&vis&at

CITATION

Art Learnings. (2025, January 15). VERONA Project: Unlocking the Artistic Codes of Jan van Eyck. Retrieved from https://artlearnings.com/2025/02/12/verona-project-unlocking-the-artistic-codes-of-jan-van-eyck/