The Unsolved Mystery of the Stolen “Ghent Altarpiece” Panels

The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is one of the most celebrated works of European art. Created in the 15th century by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck, it is not just admired for its technical mastery but also shrouded in intrigue. Few paintings in history have been the subject of as much fascination, theft, and mystery as the Ghent Altarpiece.

From Nazi looting during World War II to the still-unsolved disappearance of one of its panels, the altarpiece has a history that reads more like a detective novel than an art history lecture. In this article, we’ll dive into the unsolved mystery of the stolen panels, why the Ghent Altarpiece is considered such an enigma, what makes it so special, common misconceptions, public opinions, and where it resides today.

Why is the Ghent Altarpiece a Mystery?

The Ghent Altarpiece is mysterious not only for its artistic symbolism but also for its turbulent history. Since its unveiling in 1432 in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium, the masterpiece has been stolen, hidden, sold, dismantled, and recovered numerous times. The most puzzling element of its story, however, is the theft of one particular panel: “The Just Judges.”

On the night of April 10, 1934, two panels of the altarpiece were stolen from Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. One was later returned under mysterious circumstances, but the second, “The Just Judges,” vanished without a trace. Despite decades of investigations, international searches, and countless theories, the missing panel has never been recovered.

This unsolved disappearance continues to captivate historians, art detectives, and the general public. Some believe it was destroyed, while others are convinced it remains hidden somewhere in Belgium or beyond. Its absence leaves the masterpiece forever incomplete—and the mystery alive.

What is So Special About the Ghent Altarpiece?

Art historians often describe the Ghent Altarpiece as one of the most influential and important paintings ever made. Here’s why:

1. Revolutionary Use of Oil Paint

Jan van Eyck is often credited as one of the pioneers of oil painting. The Ghent Altarpiece showcases the medium’s potential for luminous color, fine detail, and realistic textures. From the gleam of jewels to the shimmer of angelic wings, the level of precision was unprecedented for its time.

2. Scale and Complexity

The altarpiece is a polyptych—a large, multi-panel work. When opened, it measures about 11.5 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Its scale alone made it extraordinary, but the complexity of its design, with multiple scenes and hundreds of figures, elevated it into a category of its own.

3. Theological Symbolism

The central panel, the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” depicts Christ as a sacrificial lamb on an altar, symbolizing salvation. Surrounding panels show prophets, apostles, saints, angels, and historical figures converging on the lamb. The painting is a grand meditation on redemption and the divine.

4. Realism and Human Emotion

Unlike many medieval religious works, the Ghent Altarpiece brings a lifelike humanity to its figures. Faces show genuine emotion, garments are richly textured, and landscapes stretch into believable horizons. This realism was groundbreaking and helped usher in the Northern Renaissance.

5. A Survivor of Wars and Theft

The Ghent Altarpiece has survived more thefts than perhaps any other artwork in history. Napoleon looted it, Nazis targeted it, and individuals have attempted to steal it. Each time, the painting’s survival only enhanced its reputation as a priceless treasure.

Which is Not True of the Ghent Altarpiece?

There are many misconceptions surrounding the Ghent Altarpiece, and separating fact from myth is essential for anyone researching it. Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings:

• It was painted solely by Jan van Eyck.
  While Jan van Eyck is often credited, his older brother Hubert van Eyck is believed to have started the work. Jan completed it after Hubert’s death.

• The missing panel was destroyed in World War II.
  Although some speculate this, no evidence confirms it. Many historians believe “The Just Judges” panel still exists, hidden somewhere.

• It has never left Ghent.
  In reality, parts of the altarpiece were sold, stolen, and moved across Europe, including France and Germany.

• It is a single painting.
  The Ghent Altarpiece is not one painting but a polyptych made up of 12 panels that open and close to reveal different scenes.

These clarifications are vital because misinformation often clouds the already mysterious aura surrounding the masterpiece.

The Stolen Panels: The Heart of the Mystery

The theft of 1934 remains one of the greatest unsolved art crimes in history. Here’s a closer look at what happened:

• The Crime: On April 10, 1934, thieves removed two panels: “The Just Judges” and “Saint John the Baptist.”

• The Ransom Note: The thieves left a ransom note demanding one million Belgian francs. The Bishop of Ghent refused to pay.

• The Return of One Panel: In May 1934, “Saint John the Baptist” was mysteriously returned, left at the door of a Brussels railway station.

• The Confession: A stockbroker named Arsène Goedertier confessed on his deathbed that he alone knew where “The Just Judges” was hidden. He died before revealing the location.

Since then, countless searches, excavations, and investigations have taken place, but the missing panel has never resurfaced.

Peoples’ Opinions About the Ghent Altarpiece

Public opinion about the Ghent Altarpiece varies, but admiration is nearly universal. Here are some common perspectives:

1. Art Historians and Scholars

Experts hail it as a turning point in Western art. Many consider it as important as the Mona Lisa or The Last Supper. Scholars emphasize its influence on generations of painters, particularly in Northern Europe.

2. Belgians and Local Pride

For the people of Ghent and Belgium, the altarpiece is more than just a painting—it is a national treasure. It symbolizes resilience, having survived centuries of turmoil, and its mystery adds to its cultural identity.

3. Tourists and Casual Viewers

Visitors are often struck by its scale and detail. Many express awe at the realism achieved nearly 600 years ago. Tourists also find the story of its thefts and survival thrilling, making it more than just an art object but a living mystery.

4. Conspiracy Theorists

Some believe the missing panel is hidden in secret vaults, monasteries, or even buried beneath Ghent. These theories keep public interest alive and turn the altarpiece into an endless source of speculation.

Where is the Ghent Altarpiece Now?

Today, the Ghent Altarpiece resides in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium, where it was originally installed in 1432. To protect it from theft and damage, it is now displayed inside a state-of-the-art glass enclosure with climate control and security systems.

The missing panel, “The Just Judges,” remains absent. In its place is a modern copy painted by Jef Van der Veken in 1945, which allows visitors to see the altarpiece in its entirety.

Recent conservation efforts, completed in phases from 2012 to 2020, restored the masterpiece to much of its original glory, revealing brighter colors and hidden details that had been obscured by centuries of overpainting and dirt.

The Enduring Legacy of the Mystery

The story of the Ghent Altarpiece is more than an art history lesson—it’s a tale of resilience, intrigue, and enduring mystery. Every generation rediscovers it, not only for its beauty but also for its puzzles:

• Who stole “The Just Judges” in 1934?

• Where is the missing panel today?

• Will it ever be recovered, or is it lost forever?

Until these questions are answered, the Ghent Altarpiece will remain both a masterpiece of the Northern Renaissance and one of the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries.

The Ghent Altarpiece stands at the crossroads of art, religion, and mystery. Its extraordinary artistic qualities make it a cornerstone of Renaissance painting, while its turbulent history ensures it will never fade from public fascination.

The unsolved theft of “The Just Judges” panel adds a layer of intrigue that keeps historians, detectives, and everyday admirers engaged. While some aspects of its story may be clouded by myths, what remains certain is its significance: a masterpiece that changed art forever, survived centuries of conflict, and continues to inspire awe.

Today, as it rests once again in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, the Ghent Altarpiece is not only a treasure of Belgium but of the entire world. Whether the missing panel is ever recovered or not, its legacy as both an artistic triumph and a mystery without end is secure.