The 1432 Ghent altarpiece, by Hubert and Jan van Eyck is to undergo an extensive technical examination to determine its future preservation. In its long life, the Ghent Altarpiece has been hidden from Reformation iconoclasts, twice looted as a war trophy and had two of its panels stolen. A year-long project, part-funded by the Getty foundation is now underway to plan the conservation strategy that wil be used. The painting will remain on show in St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent while the examination takes place.

The funding from Getty is part of their Panel Paintings Initiative which aims to provide training for the next generation of panel paintings conservators. To find out more, go to the Getty website.