Church of Our Lady

Vigor Boucquet (1619-1677)

The Judgement of Cambyses

Oordeel van Cambyses door Vigor Boucquet

Dominique Provost - Art in Flanders

Onze Lieve Vrouwstraat, Nieuwpoort

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in Nieuwpoort is one of the few places where, standing on a huge staircase, you can admire the church and a painting by a Flemish master from a completely different angle. The higher you climb, the closer you get to the artwork. An extraordinary experience!

Het Oordeel van Cambyses door Vigor Boucquet

Dominique Provost - Art in Flanders

Church of Our Lady

The main church of the port and coastal town of Nieuwpoort is a three-aisled Gothic hall church, with an almost detached north tower. It was rebuilt after WWI in accordance with the original plans, and again after WWII. In addition to biblical themes, the valuable stained glass windows depict local historical events. On the altar of Our Lady, the fishing boat stands out as a symbol of the town.

The Judgement of Cambyses

Vigor Boucquet was a successful Baroque painter who originated from nearby Veurne. He created this work in 1671 for the town hall in Nieuwpoort, where justice was still being dispensed by Aldermen at the time. It tells the story of a corrupt judge from ancient times who was punished for his conduct: he was flayed alive. Such an ‘allegory of justice’ acted as a warning to judges to ensure that they dispensed justice in a fair and dignified manner. Perhaps this work was paid for by a convict, as a form of monetary penalty.

Fien Hellebuyck