The "Mystic Lamb" That Inspired Millions through the Centuries

Teresa Neumann : Feb 29, 2012
Staff - Medievalists

You'll see why the pelican, pictured behind the King of kings, was so important symbolically.

One of the most important works of art from the medieval world, The Ghent Altarpiece (aka The Mystic Lamb of 1432) has been digitized in 100 billion pixels and put online to view in all its stunning glory.

The altarpiece was created by Hubert and Jan van Eyck, and recently was reported to have undergone emergency conservation within the Villa Chapel in St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent.

To truly appreciate this masterpiece, click on the link below to watch a video of it frame by frame. (Photo: The Getty)

You'll see how God the Father is depicted as King of kings, and His Son as the Lamb of God sacrificing Himself for the World. You'll also get incredible insights into the rich spiritual symbolism pervading the art.

For example, pelicans are portrayed in the background of the figure of God as the King of kings. With their beaks to their chest, they were believed to gouge out their own flesh to feed their young if there was no other food available; certainly a picture of what God did for us.

Don't miss this opportunity to be blessed and inspired in your own home by a work of art that has touched the lives of millions over the centuries.