A remarkable painting that had long hung quietly on the walls of Campion Hall in Oxford has been confirmed as an original work by Flemish master Quentin Massijs (1466–1530) and Workshop, dating from around 1500.

The small but striking image, Christ Blessing, is now on display at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, drawing visitors from the Baroque Gallery and flanked by two Flemish Lamentations.

The rediscovery followed a chance visit by an expert connected to the National Gallery, which led to an in-depth scientific investigation by leading Flemish art authority Dr Maximiliaan Martens. Using infra-red imaging and other advanced techniques, he confirmed that the painting’s under-drawing and composition match Matsys’ own working methods, revealing it as the original from which later copies were made. An event was held at Campion Hall in November to reveal the identity of this long-hidden masterpiece.

Reflecting on its spiritual significance, the Master of Campion Hall, Dr Nick Austin SJ, described the painting as one that is not easy to look at:

“To stand and pause before this painting is not only to admire its beauty or the virtuosic skill of the Master’s hand, but to risk being transformed. Our hope is that, in its new home, many more people will spend time contemplating this image of the Blessing Christ and dare to meet the gaze of the One it so powerfully reveals.”

Read the full story of its rediscovery in the latest issue of our magazine Jesuits & Friends here.

About Campion Hall

Founded by the Jesuits in 1896, Campion Hall is home and a centre for research and learning at the University of Oxford. Shaped by Jesuit educational traditions, it offers graduate students a holistic learning environment that nurtures the heart, soul, and mind, inspiring them to contribute to the greater good of society. For more information, visit Campion Hall's official website.