Monforte Altarpiece by Hugo Van der Goes
This is the Monforte Altarpiece by Hugo van der Goes, oil on oak panel, circa 1470, housed in the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin. In 2023, art historians created a stunning reconstruction of its lost upper section, revealing the artist's full original vision.
Look closely at the kneeling king's opulent red robe, its folds masterfully rendered with light and shadow. Observe the serene, downward gaze of Mary and the alert, divine-humanity of the infant Jesus. Notice the rich blue drapery of Mary's robe, conveying solemnity.
Originally the central panel of a triptych, the painting was later reduced in size, losing its top portion. The reconstruction for a 2023 exhibition meticulously recreated this missing area, based on research and historical copies of the original wings, which likely depicted the Nativity and Circumcision.
This effort allows us to appreciate Hugo van der Goes' complete design, offering a fuller understanding of this significant Early Netherlandish work.
Details
Transcript
This was once a larger painting. They cut it down. Look at the kneeling king's rich red robe. His deep, solemn face shows profound reverence. And Mary's saturated blue drapery. This famous scene was painted in 1470. In 2023, art historians rebuilt the missing top. They reconstructed the original design.