Seven Sacraments Altarpiece

The "Seven Sacraments Altarpiece" is a magnificent triptych painting created by Rogier van der Weyden and his workshop between 1445 and 1450. Originally believed to have been commissioned for a church in Poligny, this masterpiece now resides in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

The altarpiece elegantly portrays the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. On the left panel, scenes of baptism, confirmation, and confession are depicted. The right panel illustrates the ordination of a priest, marriage, and the last rites. The central panel features a powerful crucifixion scene, with the Eucharist depicted in the background.

Enhancing the visual brilliance, angels hover above each sacrament, holding scrolls that correspond to the sacrament's colors—from white for baptism to black for last rites. The side panels also include portraits of the altarpiece's patrons and additional heads, likely added just before the painting was completed. Two coats of arms, presumably belonging to the commissioners, are painted in the spandrels of the painting's inner frame.

This artwork is not just a religious icon but a historical treasure that embodies the rich tradition and artistry of the Early Netherlandish period.