Since its creation the Ghent altarpiece has been considered one of the masterpieces of European art and a world treasure. Over the centuries the panels have come close to being destroyed during outbreaks of war and ideological controversies. They were moved and damaged by fire, while some were sold, and still others taken during wars. All the panels were finally returned to the Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Ghent, Belgium following World War I. Attributed to the work of Jan van Eyck and completed in 1432, the altarpiece later had enormous influence in the art of Levina Teerlinc, who became a portrait painter for Queen Elizabeth I and the first woman to hold such a high position in the royal court of England.