A film about the artists
HUBERT AND JAN VAN EYCK written and narrated by David Thompson
Working in the early 15th century, the Van Eycks were two of the foremost innovators of western art, giving us a whole new grasp of the visible world. Their masterpiece, the altarpiece of The Adoration of the Lamb in the Cathedral of St Bavo, Ghent, with its many paintings covering the liturgy of the Christian year, is one of the great national treasures of Belgium. Begun by Hubert, it was finished after his death by his brother. Jan. It was dedicated 550 years ago, on 6 May 1432, and special permission was granted by the Cathedral authorities to include it in this programme.
This film relates the Van Eycks' paintings to the locations where they lived and worked: the valley of the Meuse and Maastricht in the Netherlands, the cities of Bruges and Ghent in Belgium, and at the Court of Burgundy.
Excerpts from the Maastricht Easter Monday Passion Play performed by students of THE CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC
Adviser DR ELISABETH DHANENS Sound recordist iAN SANSAM Rostrum cameraman IVOR RICHARDSON
Photography HENRY FARRAR Film editor ROY FRY
Producer ANN TURNER