The great fifteenth century artists who worked for the Dukes
of Burgundy are well known, but their patrons are forgotten. Professor Cartellieri's elaborate and attractive study of The Court of Burgundy (Kegan Paul, 21s.) supplies a real need. It describes the almost Oriental splendour of John the Fearless, Philip the Good (1419-68), and Charles the Bold, who was killed in 1477. Burgundy under them was a middle kingdom stretching from the Zuyder Zee to the Alps, that rivalled France and the Empire in wealth and power. Duke Philip founded the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1480 and spared no pains in attempting to revive mediaeval chivalry. His expenditure on feasts and ceremonies must have been colossal, but industrial Flanders paid the bills. His passion for architecture, painting and sculpture was unbounded, as anyone may see who goes to Dijon. Fortunately he could call upon the Van Eycks and Rogier van der Weyden and Claus Sluter and others. Their work survives, while his ambitious designs perished with his son Charles. Professor Cartellieri's book is well worth reading.
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