The Altarpiece of Saint George, a masterpiece by the Leuven sculptor Jan II Borman, was created in 1493, making it truly exceptional—few altarpieces are both signed and dated. Commissioned by the crossbowmen’s guild of Leuven in honor of Saint George, the favorite saint of Emperor Maximilian of Austria, it was originally intended for the Our Lady Chapel of Ginderbuyten. Already renowned for his remarkable talent and Gothic craftsmanship, Borman carved seven scenes depicting the martyrdom of Saint George with striking realism.
In the 19th century, the altarpiece left Leuven and became part of the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels. In 2018, a meticulous restoration by the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (IRPA) uncovered an incredible secret: the altarpiece had been assembled incorrectly in 1835 by a restorer named Joseph Charles Sohest. Known for struggling to tell left from right, Sohest had mixed up the panels, altering the way the story was read for nearly two centuries. Thanks to advanced scientific analysis, experts were able to restore the altarpiece to its original layout, bringing Borman’s artistic vision back to life.
The restoration also revealed surprising discoveries, including a hidden statuette of a praying man and a parchment signed by Sohest dating back to the 15th century—adding an extra layer of mystery to this extraordinary work. Today, the Altarpiece of Saint George shines once again, captivating visitors and standing as a priceless testament to Belgium’s artistic heritage.
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