The Ghent Altarpiece, formally titled “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” is considered by many art historians to be the most important painted artwork of all time. In addition to its mastery of the technique of oil painting, the Ghent Altarpiece represents the artistic “fulcrum” between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Renowned for its breathtaking realism, exquisite detail, and religious symbolism and iconography, it has been the victim of numerous crimes and misdeeds, including 13 thefts. Since its completion in 1432, this 24-panel work has been looted in three different wars, burned, dismembered, forged, smuggled, illegally sold, censored, attacked by iconoclasts, hunted by the Nazis, and rescued by Austrian double-agents. One of its panels, “The Just Judges,” disappeared in 1934 and has never been recovered. The mystery of its whereabouts is to Belgians as the Kennedy assassination is to Americans.

Stephen Wainscott is a retired political science professor and director of Clemson’s Honors College. He has visited Belgium 18 times, 14 as leader of a study abroad program. As a result, he has developed deep interests in Northern Renaissance art, the First World War, and the history and development of the European Union. In addition to his academic interests, he is an avid barbecue enthusiast.