Monday, November 10, 2014

drawing of eve

my artistic and eldest daughter nicole created a treasure for my birthday earlier this year.
it is a hand drawing of eve inspired by the 15th century Ghent Altarpiece.  

i appreciate the individual talents of each of my children and when they
use their gifts to lift, enlighten and inspire those around them,
well..........it's the stuff of life.



nicole also shared some of the history of the altarpiece with me... 
(not only is it lovely to have an artist in the family but an art historian as well!)  

The Ghent Altarpiece is by Jan van Eyck from 1432.  It has 12 panels.  The eve is the furthest right panel when the altarpiece is open.  She flanks Jesus in the center with Mary and John the Baptist on either side.  Adam is all the way across the piece from her.  The altarpiece was commissioned by the mayor of Ghent, who is the man on the outside on the panels, with his wife Lysbette.  

The altarpiece is one of the world's most treasured paintings and has been stolen 13 times.  Most recently by Hitler during World War II where it was kept in salt mines to protect from bombing by allied forces.

Jan van Eyck is credited with inventing oil painting.  He was also the first to paint a nude woman in early Netherlandish art.


thank you, thank you my dear and beautiful nicole.

2 comments:

  1. I did enjoy that snippet of Art History. Thank you to the beautiful and accomplished daughter who sent you the hand drawing of Eve from the Ghent Altarpiece. And thank you dear Janet for sharing with us. Your winter photography is incredible. One can almost forgive winter and give thank instead for snow and its transforming beauty. We love you.

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