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The Soldiers of Christ
by Jan van Eyck
StyleNorthern Renaissance
GenreReligious
Artwork Details
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Jan van Eyck painted The Soldiers of Christ between 1427 and 1432 as part of the famous Ghent Altarpiece. This narrow panel shows armored soldiers on horseback, their glittering armor rendered with extraordinary precision. Flags lift aloft as they process toward the central Adoration of the Lamb scene.
The panel sits alongside the Just Judges on the lower register of this monumental altarpiece. Van Eyck's attention to the clothing, weaponry, and displays demonstrates his mastery of oil painting technique. The complete altarpiece remains at Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium, where it has resided since its completion.
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About The Soldiers of Christ
This panel belongs to the Ghent Altarpiece, a twelve-panel masterwork by Jan van Eyck and his brother Hubert. Completed in 1432, it's considered one of the most important paintings in Western art history.
The panel remains part of the Ghent Altarpiece at Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. The cathedral displays all twelve panels of this Northern Renaissance work.
The painting shows armored soldiers on horseback processing toward the central Lamb of God scene. They carry swords of Justice and display banners, representing Christ's earthly defenders in this religious narrative.
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