Seeing God’s glory : Van Eyck's optical lore in the sixteenth century

This essay discusses the devotional efficacy of the Ghent Altarpiece’s sophisticated naturalistic style and its problematic reception in the sixteenth century. Drawing on recent scientific insights uncovered during the current restoration campaign of the famous polyptych, we concur with the conclusions of other scholars that Eyckian naturalism is grounded in profound knowledge of the late-medieval science of optics. Simultaneously, we argue that one needs to assess this knowledge of optics not from a modern but from a late-medieval point of view. Indeed, the Van Eyck brothers’ application of the laws of optics in their artistic practice should be linked to the Christian concept of spiritual vision and its devotional associations. Finally, using Lucas d’Heere’s ode to the Ghent Altarpiece, we argue that Eyckian naturalism might have sparked a potent reaction during the sixteenth century due to its sensuous features. The central premise of Lucas d’Heere – and this essay for that matter – is that Eyckian naturalism requires careful reflection and deliberation to help us understand that it was not necessarily in conflict with Christian doctrine on sacred images.

ISBN:9789463887380

Jaar van publicatie:2020

Toegankelijkheid:Closed