About the Artist

Little is known about the life or work of Melchior Broederlam. He is documented as having lived in Ypres in West Flanders between 1381 and 1409. He was court painter to the Count of Flanders and entered the service of Pilip the Bold, the duke of Burgundy (1342-1404), in 1380. His primary assignment was the decoration of Hesdin Castle, which he accomplished between 1386 and 1392; and in 1392 he returned to Ypres. In addition to painting religious pictures and portraits, this multitalented artist also designed stained-glass windows, gold work, official robes and costumes for festivities. The only works conclusively proven to be by Broederlam are the two altarwings commissioned by Philip the Bold for the Carthusian monastery in Champmol, near Dijon. The inner sides depict saints as well as scenes from Christ's Passion. Broederlam is one of the pioneers of early Flemish painting, which the Van Eyck brother would develop to its highest point a generation later.