Crazy about Dymphna

In the early sixteenth century, the popularity of Saint Dimpna made the abbot of the abbey of Tongerlo decide to have a huge altarpiece that would depict the life story of this special saint. The assignment came into the hands of the Antwerp painter Goossen Van der Weyden, grandson of Flemish Primitive Rogier, who took over many elements from his grandfather in his eclectic style.
The result of this assignment, the monumental Dimpna altarpiece, was recently acquired by The Phoebus Foundation. The panels were treated in the Foundation's restoration studio for three years. The astonishing result led to new insights into the history of the altarpiece, its maker and commissioner, and about the cult of Saint Dimpna. Leading specialists shed their light on the altarpiece and their years of research are now bundled in this luxurious, richly illustrated publication.