Portrait of Antoine, 'Grand Bâtard' of Burgundy

Rogier van der Weyden painted this portrait of Antoine, the "Grand Bâtard" of Burgundy, around 1460, depicting the illegitimate son of Duke Philip the Good who became one of the most celebrated knights of the fifteenth century. Antoine distinguished himself at tournaments and in military campaigns, and later served as a key advisor to Charles the Bold. Van der Weyden was the official city painter of Brussels and the most influential Netherlandish artist of the mid-fifteenth century, and this portrait exemplifies his ability to convey aristocratic authority with psychological subtlety.

Van der Weyden employs his characteristic three-quarter pose against a neutral background, directing attention to the sitter's sharply observed features. The precise delineation of Antoine's chain of office and the rich textures of his costume demonstrate the artist's mastery of oil painting technique, while the slight asymmetry of the facial features suggests direct observation from life.