The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

The Belgian guide told me we’re going to Max’s Café in Ghent to eat the best waffles in the country. They were delicious! Yes, I ate two. Afterwards, we left the café, and he silently led me to a nearby building. Inside, the painting of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the most famous altarpiece in the world, stood covered by glass on a box. This oil painting was created in 1432 by the Van Eyck brothers. I was stunned by the beauty of the lamb, the amazing details and the strong feeling of spirituality. The painting was revered for its beauty, mysticism and symbolism.The mysticism emphasized inner spiritual intuition and profound insight. The detailed items, such as flowers, represented themes and meanings and they symbolized sacrifice, purity and innocence. Even colors have specific meanings. The painting was temporarily exhibited in the glass box while the cathedral was being renovated. This masterpiece was missing the side panels, although the main panel stood intact. It had been stolen several times, and at the end of World War ll it was saved by the Monuments Men (see the movie) who had found it hidden is the Althusser salt mine with other great art stolen by the Nazis.