The duchy of Brabant, in the Low Countries, enjoyed a flourish of artistic activity during the late Middle Ages. The wealthy cities of Brabant, particularly Brussels and Antwerp, were major centers for altarpiece production, which was strictly regulated and widely distributed throughout Europe. Hundreds of multicolored sculpted wood altarpieces with painted panels were thus created during the 15th and 16th centuries.

This symposium gives a broader and more accurate view of the art of altarpieces from Brabant and paves the way for further study on the altarpieces of Northern Europe.