The Ghent Altarpiece’s Greatest Secret

The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” is one of the most significant masterpieces in art history. Created by the Flemish painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck in 1432, this polyptych altarpiece is a stunning example of Northern Renaissance artistry, housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. It is not only celebrated for its intricate detail, remarkable realism, and religious symbolism but also for the remarkable stories surrounding its thefts, restorations, and mysterious missing panel, The Just Judges.

For nearly a century, art historians, detectives, and amateur sleuths have been perplexed by the disappearance of The Just Judges panel, one of the Ghent Altarpiece’s lower-left panels. What happened to it? Where could it be hidden? And will it ever be recovered?

The Significance of the Just Judges Panel

To understand why this missing piece holds such importance, it is crucial to delve into its meaning within the altarpiece. The Just Judges panel depicted a group of noble and just rulers on horseback, traveling toward the central scene of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. It symbolized the virtue of justice and righteous governance, reinforcing the overarching spiritual message of salvation and divine order present throughout the artwork.

The panel was a masterclass in artistic excellence, showcasing Jan van Eyck’s ability to capture individual expressions, the play of light on armor, and the majestic regality of the figures. Some believe that Van Eyck included portraits of real-life rulers and influential people of his time, making its loss even more historically significant.

The Theft of the Just Judges Panel

The Ghent Altarpiece has endured a history of thefts, desecration, and war-time plundering more than any other artwork. However, its most infamous disappearance occurred in 1934, when the Just Judges panel was stolen from St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

On the night of April 10, 1934, thieves infiltrated the cathedral and removed the Just Judges panel along with another panel featuring St. John the Baptist. Oddly, the St. John the Baptist panel was returned shortly after, along with a ransom note demanding one million Belgian francs for the return of the Just Judges.

The Belgian authorities refused to pay the ransom, and the case took a bizarre turn when a wealthy stockbroker named Arsène Goedertier confessed to knowing the panel’s whereabouts on his deathbed. He reportedly whispered, “I alone know where the Just Judges is hidden.” However, he never revealed the location, and despite extensive searches, the panel has never been recovered.

Theories About the Panel’s Whereabouts

Over the decades, numerous theories have surfaced regarding the fate of the Just Judges panel. Some of the most compelling include:

1. Hidden in St. Bavo’s Cathedral – Some researchers believe that the panel was hidden somewhere within the cathedral itself, possibly behind a wall or in a secret chamber.
2. Buried in a Secret Location – Goedertier’s confession suggests he may have hidden it in a place known only to him. Some speculate he concealed it in a cemetery or a religious site in Ghent.
3. Destroyed During World War II – Another theory posits that the Nazis, who were known for looting art, might have obtained and subsequently destroyed the panel.
4. Held by a Private Collector – Some art crime investigators speculate that the Just Judges may be in the possession of a private collector who has kept it hidden for decades.

Despite numerous investigations, including modern scanning technology used in the cathedral, no concrete evidence has emerged to confirm any of these theories.

Restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece

While the Just Judges panel remains lost, the Ghent Altarpiece has undergone extensive restoration efforts. Since 2012, Belgian art conservationists have worked meticulously to restore the polyptych’s brilliance. The conservation efforts, conducted at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, have revealed stunning details that had been hidden under layers of overpainting and dirt for centuries.

One of the most remarkable discoveries during the restoration process was the revelation of the true face of the Mystic Lamb, which had been altered in the 16th century. The original version depicted a more human-like and intense expression, which surprised art historians and the public alike.

To compensate for the missing Just Judges panel, a replica was painted by Belgian artist Jef Van der Veken in 1945. Although it is an impressive reproduction, it lacks the authenticity and minute details that made Van Eyck’s work legendary.

How Many Times Has the Ghent Altarpiece Been Stolen?

The Ghent Altarpiece has the dubious honor of being one of the most stolen artworks in history. It has been taken at least six times over the centuries. Some of its most notable thefts include:

1. The Iconoclast Fury (1566): Protestant reformers attacked the cathedral and removed several panels to protect them from destruction.
2. Napoleon’s Seizure (1794): The French stole part of the altarpiece and took it to the Louvre, where it remained until Napoleon’s defeat in 1815.
3. World War I (1917): The Germans took several panels to Berlin, but they were returned to Belgium after the war.
4. World War II and the Nazis (1940s): Adolf Hitler coveted the Ghent Altarpiece and ordered its seizure. It was stored in a salt mine in Altaussee, Austria, where it was later recovered by the Monuments Men.
5. The 1934 Just Judges Theft: As discussed earlier, this remains the only theft that was never resolved.

Will the Just Judges Panel Ever Be Found?

The fate of the Just Judges remains one of art history’s greatest mysteries. Every few years, new theories and searches emerge, yet no definitive answer has been found. Some believe it may still be hidden in Belgium, waiting for the right discovery, while others fear it was destroyed long ago.

Despite its absence, the Ghent Altarpiece continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Its restoration has brought new life to this unparalleled masterpiece, ensuring that the remaining panels continue to shine as a testament to the genius of the Van Eyck brothers.

The story of the Just Judges panel is one of intrigue, betrayal, and enduring mystery. Whether hidden, destroyed, or unknowingly in someone’s possession, its legacy remains intact, a missing piece in a puzzle that has fascinated historians and art lovers for nearly a century.