Apparently, there was some interesting business that ensued after WWI, in which the Germans returned artwork that they had stolen, along with some that were legitimately purchased (by the King of Prussia) as 'recompense' for their destruction during the war. This of course annoyed them, and they set about re-stealing it about twenty years later, and hiding it in a salt mine. Bafflingly persistent, those Germans.
In this postcard, the main piece, van Eyck's Het Lam Gods, is absent, as it would not have been returned (yet) or restolen (by Hilter).
You can read more about the exciting times of the art of Saint-Bavon here, and about the mystery surronding the Ghent Altarpiece's whereabouts here.
For an almost identical shot of the interior as it stands, please visit the site for Sint-Baafskathedraal Gent. It's a wonderful site, and hopefully I'll be able to see this places in person one day.
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