World Cultures, World Arts Series: The Altarpiece of the Lamb of God: Perspectives on the Ghent Altarpiece

Thu Sep 26 2024 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Event Description:
The altarpiece was one of the most important aspects of the medieval Christian church. Spaces above, behind, and on altarpieces were adorned with objects and images that reflected liturgy and church history designed to be seen on or in proximity to the altar for purposes of celebrating the sacred. The famous Ghent Altarpiece (1432) also incorporated images of local Flemish sites near the city of Ghent. Beyond its sacred role in Sin-Baafs, the central panel pulled viewers into an expansive and exotic landscape taking them on a mystical and secular journey beyond Ghent. The moment the Ghent Altarpiece was unveiled to the public, on May 6, 1432, it became an object of pilgrimage for artists and was viewed by an untold number of visitors. Herbert and Jan van Eyck’s use of oil paint provided a level of detail that was unprecedented. At the time of its conception, the altarpiece represented a new artistic vision, in which the idealization of the medieval tradition gave way to an exacting observation of nature and un-idealized human representation. The altarpiece continues to bring tourists to the city of Ghent serving as an almost singular identifier. This talk will outline a brief history of the altarpiece and discuss several twenty-first century activities, artworks, and exhibitions inspired by the altarpiece. The World Cultures, World Arts Series bridges the gap between the business education of a Baruch student and the cultural and artistic world. In each session, an artist or art historian presents a detailed look at a piece of artwork, its context and its relevance for today. We will connect world cultures with the fine arts, to see if we can find an alternate way to become globally-accomplished students. The Baruch community is invited to attend this free online lecture. Register at https://bit.ly/artsmasterclasses/
Online link for More Event Information:
https://baruch.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsdeusrDgiEtUPFC047FqcpAhcjYTSIydi#/registration