The closed Altarpiece middlesection after renovation

Four years of treatment were necessary to renovate the Ghent Altarpiece and finally bring it back to the Saint Bavo's cathedral, in October 2016. Layers of overpaint covering nearly 70% of the artwork were removed, revealing the true splendor of the panels.
The restoration, led by the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA, Brussels), allows us to rediscover the incredible painting qualities of the Van Eyck, while new iconographic elements could be revealed.
The painting now looks much closer to its original appearance. A unique experience, almost 600 years after its creation.