Saint Dymphna’s Church

Kristof Donné

Sint-Dimpnaplein 15, Geel

Did you know that Geel is known throughout the world for its family based care services? This unique care model ensures that psychiatric patients are cared for by host families for a short or longer period of time. It is based on the devotion of Saint Dymphna, whose exceptional altarpiece you can admire in Sint-Dimpnakerk.

Saint Dymphna’s Church

Construction of Sint-Dimpnakerk started in 1349 as a pilgrimage church. According to legend, Saint Dymphna and her confessor Gerebernus were buried on this spot. The saint is present throughout the interior of the Gothic church. Leaning against the south side of the solid, white-brown tower is the Infirmary. Pilgrims who came to the church to complete their novena, seeking favour from the saint, would find shelter there for nine days.

Saint Dymphna Altarpiece

An absolute highlight is the impressive Saint Dymphna altarpiece, a Flemish masterpiece dating back to the late 15th or early 16th century with more than two hundred carved oak figurines and even traces of the original polychrome. Due to its shape, structure and completeness this is a rare altarpiece. The central figure is Saint Dymphna: her life and martyrdom, her glorification on earth and her triumph in heaven. Each scene is placed on a pedestal.

Passion Altarpiece

The Passion altarpiece, which dates back to 1490-1500, can be attributed with certainty to a Brussels workshop. With the shutters open, the altarpiece relates the entire passion story, beginning with the Mount of Olives and ending with Pentecost. The crucified Christ is the centrepiece. Art historians more or less agree that the painted side panels can be attributed to the Master of the View of Saint Gudula.

Art in Flanders

Art in Flanders

Apostle Altarpiece

The white stone altarpiece that dates back to the second half of the 14th century is probably the oldest work of art in the church. It originally stood on the main altar until it was replaced by the Saint Dymphna altarpiece in 1515. The central section depicts a Calvary scene. The crucified Christ hangs between the sun and the moon and is flanked by his mother and John the apostle. Six apostles are standing on each side of the main depiction. Judas the apostle was replaced by Paul.

Portret van Hendrik van Merode van Jan Mostaert

Art in Flanders

Portret van Francisca van Brederode van Jan Mostaert

Art in Flanders

Portraits of Hendrik van Merode en Francisca van Brederode - Jan Mostaert (ca.1475-1552)

The panels with portraits of Hendrik van Merode and Francisca van Brederode are also Flemish masterpieces. They are the work of Jan Mostaert. The portraits were painted in 1525, on the occasion of their marriage. In his right hand Henry holds a ring, which he is showing to Francisca. Henry, the founder of the chapter of canons, is represented as a noble lord. The portrait of Henry should clearly be displayed on the left from where he turns to his fiancée, Francisca van Brederode. If the frames were removed from both artworks the landscape of one painting would continue into the other. A river flowing behind Francisca continues its path into the landscape behind Henry.

Maarten Vanuytsel - Toerisme Geel