The Van Eyck brothers

The monument to the Van Eyck brothers was created in 1913 by the young Ghent sculptor Geo Verbanck, in collaboration with architect Valentin Vaerwyck. The city commissioned the work for the World’s Fair, held that year near what is now the Millionaires' Quarter, close to Sint-Pieters Station.

At the official unveiling in August 1913, performed by King Albert I, the monument had not yet been entirely finished. The sculptural group on the left had not been cast in bronze and a temporary plaster version, painted in a bronze hue, had been put in its place to make the ensemble appear complete.

Funding for the monument came from contributions by countries participating in the World’s Fair, as well as from cities with historical ties to Jan van Eyck. On the rear of the work, you can see the coats of arms of all its sponsors: alongside Ghent, Maaseik and Flanders, you will spot emblems from the Netherlands, France, Germany, the United States and Russia, among others. When you stand before the monument and look between the heads of Jan and Hubert, you are treated to a unique view of the Vijd Chapel of St Bavo’s Cathedral — the original location where the Ghent Altarpiece was once displayed.