Church of Our Lady Hendrik van Minderhout 1701-1710 - Bruges Oil on canvas This painting shows us what the church would have looked like in the 17th century. The rood screen, with the large cross, which separates the nave from the choir, is especially noteworthy. It dates from the end of the 16th century but made way for the current, Baroque rood screen in the 18th century. The pulpit is also different from the one you see today.
Church of Our Lady Relic Ex Brachio of St. Anthony the Abbot Andreas Petyt 18th century - Bruges Copper This reliquary contains a piece of arm bone from St. Anthony the Abbot. St. Anthony the Abbot (251-356) is a saint of early Christendom. He retreated to the desert to devote himself to prayer. After a while, he was joined by other hermits, who he began to teach. Hence he is considered the patron saint of monastic life. He is also invoked against infectious diseases such as the plague. In 1531, Bruges chose him as Patron against the Plague, the saint who had to protect the city against this terrible epidemic. You can see a sculpture of him to the left of the reliquary.
Church of Our Lady The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor Gerard David 1505 - Bruges Oil on panel This work by Gerard David depicts the transfiguration on Mount Tabor, a biblical scene. When Jesus climbs Mount Tabor along with the apostles Peter, John and James, his face starts to shine like the sun and his clothes take on a bright white glow. The light is so bright that the apostles are unable to look at it, and they fall to the ground in fear. Jesus is flanked by the prophets Moses and Elijah. Above them appears God the Father, who recognizes Jesus as His son. The side panels are not as old as the centre panel. Pieter Pourbus painted them in 1573, commissioned by the couple Anselmus de Boodt and Johanna Voet. He portrayed them with their children. Pourbus has adapted his style to that of David - and so the landscape is continuous, just like the clouds.
