St Michael’s Church

Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641)

Christ on the Cross
Ornate church interior with a grand altar featuring a crucifix and statues, surrounded by intricate Gothic arches and colorful stained glass windows.
Art in Flanders

Sint-Michielsplein, Gent

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Tourist information

Anthony van Dyck was the wonder that helped define the Baroque period. He certainly proved himself with panache, a suitable dose of drama and feeling, and a touch of genius at St Michael's Church in Ghent.

 

St Michael’s Church

St Michael’s Church has a long and extraordinary construction history of more than 200 years, which started in 1440. The Gothic church exhibits a remarkable unity of style, which is also reflected in the interior. It is a haven of peace within the city centre of Ghent.

Christ on the Cross - Anthony van Dyck

In this canvas, a Flemish masterpiece, Anthony van Dyck combines a very simple composition with deep emotions: the suffering of Christ, the sorrow of Mary, John and Mary Magdalene, the cruelty of the soldiers. The contrast between the dramatic, dark cloud cover, the deathly pale Christ and the colourful bystanders heightens the emotional impact. This was the most expensive of the many altarpieces that van Dyck painted between 1627 and 1632.

 

In a classic painting, Jesus is depicted on the cross, surrounded by mourners and soldiers, with cherubs above. The scene is dramatic and solemn.
Rik Klein Gotink - Art in Flanders
Christus aan het Kruis, Anthony van Dyck
Rik Klein Gotink - Art in Flanders
Sint-Michielskerk Gent
Art in Flanders
Ornate church interior with a grand altar featuring a crucifix and statues, surrounded by intricate Gothic arches and colorful stained glass windows.
Art in Flanders
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Practical information

Address

Sint-Michielsplein
9000 Gent
Belgium
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Opening hours

  • From 29 March to 31 October, from 2 pm to 5 pm.

  • Closed on Mondays.

Accessibility

  • Is partially accessible.

More information

Good to know 

  • Admission: free

Any questions?

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Tourist information

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