Yesterday we travelled to Ghent to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. This twelve-panel altarpiece (middle panels shown) is the size of a barn door. Huber van Eyck began the work. Upon his death, it was completed by his brother Dutch master Jan van Eyck.
Viewing the Mystic Lamb was a whole new experience for Ray and me—we had our first try at altered reality glasses. AR is a technology which layers a holographic on top of the real world. The AR walk was set up in the crypt of the church. By the time you made it to the altarpiece, you could appreciate it. I’m not going to spend too much time on the painting itself, but I do want to mention its rough comings and goings. The altarpiece has been moved several times over the centuries. It has been the victim of 13 crimes and seven thefts. Most recently Hitler seized the painting in 1942. The painting was hidden in a salt mine in Austria. Following WWII it was found and recovered by Allied forces. These special forces were the subject of a movie called The Monument Men. The rest of our day was far less serious. We consumed Belgian chocolate, Belgian waffles, and Belgian fries. Everything was delicious. FYI Ray says he prefers Netherlands fries with mayonnaise to Belgium fries with andalouse sauce. More food and adventures to come. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
16 Comments
Mrs. Brennan
4/29/2024 05:24:15 am
The food looks delicious! I had to look up andalouse sauce. Sounds interesting. What would you compare it to?
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Diane
4/29/2024 02:54:36 pm
To me the sauce tasted like mayonnaise and ketchup mixed together with some hot peppers thrown in. I was not a fan.
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Tyler
4/29/2024 10:22:23 am
The picture is very symmetrical. Does the symmetry represent anything?
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Diane
4/29/2024 04:08:51 pm
You are right. Good observation. And it is even more symmetrical looking when the other panels are added. For example Eve is on one side looking in and Adam on the other.
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NPW E
4/29/2024 10:25:37 am
What are the other crimes that happened?
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Diane
4/29/2024 04:11:53 pm
It is considered the most stolen work of art….here are a few more:
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NPW A
4/29/2024 10:26:33 am
Can you tell the differences between the chocolate?
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Diane
4/29/2024 04:12:42 pm
The milk chocolate was definitely sweeter.
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NPW Group C
4/29/2024 10:27:47 am
The food looks amazing! How expensive are the AR headsets?
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Diane
4/29/2024 04:17:54 pm
The lost price I found for basic AR headsets was around $300. I’m guessing ours were pretty basic.
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Npw D
4/29/2024 10:27:59 am
What was in the virtual reality tour?
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Diane
4/29/2024 04:18:59 pm
The artist studio, details on the painting, architectural models of the church…that sort of thing
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Npdw F
4/29/2024 10:28:57 am
What was there favourite food that you’ve ate through this entire experience?
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Diane
4/29/2024 04:20:32 pm
Ray loves all types of fries, but he really liked the waffles too.
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NPW Group B
4/29/2024 10:31:24 am
Are the common North American paved roads uncommon in the Netherlands and Belgium?
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Diane
4/29/2024 04:22:00 pm
The roads and highways in the Netherlands and Belgium are exceptionally good. The bike lanes, train and bus transportation, and pedestrian walkways are better than we have in Canada.
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AuthorRay & Diane Homewood |