The artwork of Jan van Eyck contains hidden clues that prove the safe existence of the Ark of the Covenant in the early 1400s. The Ark was in the care of the Order of Christ, the successor organization to the Knights Templar. The Ark was briefly revealed in order to secure an alliance to provide greater protection for it in the face of rapidly advancing military technology.
X-ray reflectography has revealed an under-drawing sketch with planning marks that exactly match the proportions of the Ark of the Covenant, and the use of a straight edge to establish them. This painting was a message between the Order of Christ and Philip the Good of Burgundy to demonstrate the safe existence of the Ark in Portugal in support of Philip's agreement to marry Isabella of Portugal. The book contains significant additional evidence to support the theory of the safe existence of the Ark in the care of the Order of Christ.