Rogier van der Weyden: The Chroniques de Hainaut, Jean Wauquelin presenting his 'Chroniques de Hainaut' to Philip the Good (1447–1448)

(Royal Library of Belgium, Brussels, Belgium)

The only surviving miniature made by the Flemish artist Rogier van der Weyden (1399-1464). This miniature is the frontispiece of the book 'Chroniques de Hainaut' (the chronicle of Hainaut). Chroniques de Hainaut records the history of the county of Hainaut up until the end of the 14th century. The book itself is a translation from the Latin book Annales Hannoniæ sive chronica illustrium principum hannoniæ ab initio rerum usque ad annum Christi 1390 which was written by Jacques de Guise. Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy (1396 – 1467) commissioned Jean Wauquelin to translate the book in French in March 1446 to present a (made up) historical claim to various territories in the Netherlands. The book presents Philips as the legitimate heir of the county of Hainaut in a long line of rulers, who would go back to the fall of Troy. The frontispiece shows the presentation of the finished book to Duke Philip the Good. The identity of the various figures is still a matter of debate. From left to right:

- Simon Nockart, a member of the duke's advisory council or Jean II le Gros the Elder, Audiencer of the duke's great seal, one of whose responsibilities was to seal and deliver the duke's official letters

- Jehan Chevrot (in red), president of the Great Council of the Duke of Burgundy and bishop of Tournai

- Nicholas Rolin (in blue), Chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy.

- Duke Philip the Good (in black)

- Charles de Charolais, the only legitimate son of Philip and future duke Charles the Bold

- kneeling: the translator Jean Wauquelin or Simon Nockart (Simon encouraged Jean Wauquelinto translate Jacques de Guise's work)

- standing in black with the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece: Antoine de Croy, First Chamberlain of the duke's household; the Lord of Renty; Governor of Luxembourg

- 6 Unidentified members of the Order of the Golden Fleece

- on the right with the green jacket: Jean de Croy, captain general and the grand bailiff of Hainaut

Painting from 1447–1448.