Flemish Primitives | Worldview: Power and Representation

Portraits were used, for example, to provide a ‘face' to a sovreign to the far corners of his realm. Often many copies were made of a successful example, which were disseminated over the entire realm. Examples are the portraits of Philip the Good (Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp and Groeninge Museum, Bruges) and John the Fearless (Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp). Inscriptions or coats of arms make it clear as to which areas fall under their rule or over which areas they want to make claims. There are also series in which the family bands stand central, with the goal of legitimising the power. These works differ greatly in their character from the portraits that have a private function.

Text: Anne van Oosterwijk