In 1934, part of a Van Eyck masterpiece was stolen from Ghent Cathedral. It has never been found.
In The Secret of the Sacred Panel, Dutch investigative journalist Karl Hammer reports the amazing story told to him by Tom R., an art historian who was enlisted to spy for the CIA and MI5 during WWII in order to trace the whereabouts of the vast horde of art stolen by the Nazis. His search for the missing altarpiece, led to the greater quest for the Arma Christi, the nails and crown of thorns of Jesus’ crucifixion. The reader is taken into quite unexpected territory, encompassing Himmler’s obsession with the occult; Jewish mysticism and the reality of Jesus and his mission, the harsh truth about the Cathar heresy and the enduringly appealing Rennes-le- Chateau mystery from an entirely new angle. All of this is supported by Tom R.’s meticulous and wide research into religion, mysticism, and history. A Dutch version of this book was published in 2006 and attracted unusual interest, including an article in Wikipedia and hosts of references to Holy Blood and The Holy Grail and inevitably The Da Vinci Code.

Reviews

A book of curious power that provokes raging thoughts even in the mind of one who knows these subjects inside out (or so she thought).
Lynn Picknett, author

As an art historian and curator specializing in Netherlandish art, I found the book fascinating to read, and the story a very compelling one. However, what makes it truly astonishing is that it is a true story. Any simple account of the theft of the panels from Van Eyck's altarpiece would already have a wide audience. The story of the involvement of the Nazis, the British Secret Service MI5, and the CIA makes it 10, perhaps 100 times as good. And Karl Hammer tells it very well, never giving away too much before he has to, and finding the right place for everything.
David De Witt, curator of European Art

To me it was an eye-opener that the theft of European works of art by the Nazis had kept the CIA and other intelligence services engrossed for so long. Just like Wealth and Democracy by Kevin Phillips, this book illustrates the pernicious influence of a World War on the standards of democracy.
Ton van Schaik, University professor of Macro-economy

An absolute 'must read' for anybody who has lost faith in the Church. To me this book is far more than just a thrilling story about a theft of a religious artwork. It has countless hidden layers making it a joy to read it over and over, each time discovering new things.
Natasja Visser, housewife

The book is exciting, absorbingly written and reads 'like a train'. At times I lost the leading thread because the author went down by-paths, but then got me back on track again in an eloquent way. But you had to stay on guard. Especially engaging was the way the book explicitly digs into the true message of Jesus. Although one doesn't need tangible nails to understand that message.
Diny Offermans, Dutch Council for Refugees