St Bavo's Cathedral, Ghent
Saint Bavo's Cathedral | |
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Sint Baafskathedraal | |
Ghent | |
Parish | Saint John the Baptist |
Clergy | |
Bishop(s) | Lode Van Hecke |
Saint Bavo's Cathedral, also known as Sint-Baafs Cathedral (
History
The cathedral stands on the site of the former Chapel of St. John the Baptist, which was primarily of wooden construction and was consecrated in 942 by Transmarus,
In the subsequent period from the 14th through 16th centuries, nearly continuous expansion projects in the Gothic style were executed on the structure. A new choir, radiating chapels, expansions of the transepts, a chapter house, nave aisles and a single-tower western section were all added.
In 1539, as a result of the rebellion against
In the summer of 1566, bands of Calvinist iconoclasts visited Catholic churches in the Netherlands, shattering stained-glass windows, smashing statues, and destroying paintings and other artworks they perceived as idolatrous.[2] However, the altarpiece by the Van Eycks was saved.
Interior
Ghent Altarpiece
The cathedral is noted for the Ghent Altarpiece, originally in the Joost Vijd Chapel. It is formally known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb after its lower centre panel by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. This work is considered Van Eyck's masterpiece and one of the most important works of the early Northern Renaissance, as well as one of the greatest artistic masterpieces of Belgium.[3] Part of the painting, the lowermost left panel known as The Just Judges, was stolen in 1934 and has not been recovered. It has since been replaced with a facsimile by Jef Van der Veken.
Other religious art
The cathedral is home to the works of other artists of note. It holds the painting Saint Bavo enters the Convent at Ghent by
Local Ghent painter Petrus Norbertus van Reysschoot painted a series of 11 grisailles, which decorate the choir of the cathedral, above the stalls. Five of these panels represent scenes from the Old Testament while the other six episodes from the New Testament. These paintings were placed in the cathedral between 1789 and 1791.[5]
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Interior of the Romanesque Crypt, with frescos of religious figures visible.
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Elaborate stone and marble naves inside the upper church.
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The great organ built in 1935 by Klais is the biggest of the Benelux.
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Saint Bavo enters the Convent at Ghent.
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The washing of the feet by Petrus Norbertus van Reysschoot.
Organs
The cathedral has four organs for use at liturgical celebrations.[6] Most famous is the main organ in the Upper church, the biggest organ in the Benelux. In 1935 Mgr Coppieters commanded that the Klais organ from the world exhibition would be put inside the cathedral. The organ case dates from the 18th century and the complete organ has more than 6000 pipes inside. It has 5 manuals.[7]
Choir
The most impressive part is the high choir with stalls for the members of the Chapter of Saint-Bavon. The episcopal throne is located on the right side with the episcopal arms visible. Highlights of the interior decoration of the choir include the Baroque high altar (1702–1782), in white, black, and red flamed marble, and the tomb monuments of Ghent bishops, including that of Antonius Triest, in white and black marble (1652–1654), a major work of Jerôme Duquesnoy (II). On the right side is the gallery with painted crests of the members of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
In the choir is the 1559 painting
In the nave we find an impressive
Treasury and crypt
In the Chapel of the Holiest an important Calvary Triptych is on display. This 15th-century work is attributed to Justus van Gent. Finally, there is a valuable collection of important liturgical plates, reliquaries, and liturgical vessels dating from the 15th century onward. Among the important reliquaries are the head of Saint John the Baptist and of Saint Macarius. The important collection of hand-embroidered and brocaded liturgical ornaments is widely known as one of the most important of the country, some of which are put on display.
Chapter of Saint-Bavo
Still today the chapter is housed inside the cathedral, since its foundation. Members have been important prelates and members of noble houses. Today Jozef De Kesel is one of the honorary canons. The chapters of Haarlem and Ghent are united in friendship. Weekly the canons sing Mass with the bishop.
- Maximilian van de Woestyne de Becelaere, died 1699: nephew of the Marquess of Becelaere
- Jacques Ignace van Parys, died 1702: grandson of Rubens.
- Constant van Crombrugghe
- François III Maria Rubens, died 1720: great-grandson of Rubens.
- Petrus Joseph Triest, founder of the Brothers of Charity
- Thomas-Philip d'Alsace, Cardinal
- Antoon Stillemans, before he was ordained bishop
- Gustaaf Joos, before he was created cardinal
- Jozef De Kesel, honorary Canon
- Lode Aerts, before he was ordained bishop
Burials
- Cornelius Jansen(1510–1576), first Bishop of Ghent (1565–1576)
- Pieter Damant (1530-1609), third Bishop of Ghent (1589-1609)
- Karl vanden Bosch, Bishop of Ghent
- Karel Justinus Calewaert, (1893–1963): 27th Bishop of Ghent (1948–1963)
- Prince Ferdinand de Lobkowitz (1726–1795) Bishop of Ghent, 1779–1795
- Philippus Erardus van der Noot, baroque tomb by Jan Boeksent.
- Jan de Smet, Bishop of Ghent
- Jan-Frans van de Velde(1779–1838), 20th Bishop of Ghent.
- Gerard van Eersel (died 1778), Bishop of Ghent
- Ignace Schetz de Grobbendonk (1625–1680), 11th Bishop of Ghent (1679–1680)
- Michelle of Valois, Duchess of Burgundy
See also
- Bishop of Ghent
- List of Gothic Cathedrals in Europe
- List of tallest structures built before the 20th century
References
- ^ "Building History | Sint-Baafskathedraal Gent". sintbaafskathedraal.be. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
- ISBN 9781424069224.
- ^ Kurtz, Michael J. (2006). America and the return of Nazi contraband. Cambridge University Press. p. 24.
- ^ De Inventaris van het Bouwkundig Erfgoed, Sint-Baafskathedraal (ID: 25743) at Inventaris onroerend erfgoed (in Dutch)
- ^ Victor van der Haeghen, Reysschoot, Pierre-Norbert Van in: Biographie nationale de Belgique, Volume 19, p. 235-238 (in French)
- ^ "Organs | Sint-Baafskathedraal Gent". sintbaafskathedraal.be. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
- ^ "Gent Sint-Baafskathedraal". www.andriessenorgelbouw.be. Retrieved 2020-05-24.