The altarpiece in the Ignatius chapel is a 16th-century triptych from the school of Quinten Metsys. It centers on the three Marys at the tomb of Jesus – a theme that was widely used but is somewhat less familiar today within the Catholic artistic tradition.
The fine details in the faces and garments of the figures suggest that these parts may have been painted by Metsys himself, although this can no longer be established with certainty. What is certain is that the work can be situated within the tradition of the Flemish Primitives and dates from the same period as the construction of the Hof van Liere.
The triptych only found its final place in 1983, following the modern renovation of the old neo-Gothic chapel. It is mentioned in the early 20th century in the inventory of the Old Abbey of Drongen (the former novitiate of the Society of Jesus), but no earlier traces of the work are known.
Want to know more?
- Read the explanation of pastor Gert Van Langendonck about the history, the three Mary's, and the restoration of the triptych (pdf – 55 kB)
- Watch a video about the reinstallation of the triptych in May 2025 (Instagram)
Practical information
The Ignatius chapel (Stadscampus | entrance via Prinsstraat 13) is open every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.