Website lets world admire 'Ghent Altarpiece' in 100 billion pixels

By Laura Allsop, CNN

Updated 1131 GMT (1931 HKT) March 2, 2012

Thought to be one of the most famous panel paintings in the world, the Ghent Altarpiece, completed in 1432, can now be viewed on a specially-designed, open source website.
Photos: Ghent altarpiece: Masterpiece online
Ghent altarpiece: Masterpiece goes online – Thought to be one of the most famous panel paintings in the world, the Ghent Altarpiece, completed in 1432, can now be viewed on a specially-designed, open source website.
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Stolen several times from St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent where it is housed, the altarpiece features many intriguing details, including a 'Mystic Lamb' bleeding into a chalice.
Photos: Ghent altarpiece: Masterpiece online
Ghent altarpiece: Masterpiece goes online – Stolen several times from St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent where it is housed, the altarpiece features many intriguing details, including a 'Mystic Lamb' bleeding into a chalice.
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Consisting of 12 panels and depicting numerous complex theological scenes, the documentation project has rendered the work into 100 billion pixels using the highest resolution photography.
Photos: Ghent altarpiece: Masterpiece online
Ghent altarpiece: Masterpiece goes online – Consisting of 12 panels and depicting numerous complex theological scenes, the documentation project has rendered the work into 100 billion pixels using the highest resolution photography.
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Here the Virgin Enthroned is seen in digital infrared reflectograms, which look past the painted surface of the picture and reveal the under-drawings beneath.
Photos: Ghent altarpiece: Masterpiece online