Rogier van der Weyden

Born in Tournai around 1399, he was initially known by his French name but adopted the Dutch 'Rogier van der Weyden' after moving to Brussels, where he became the official city painter.¹

He apprenticed under Robert Campin, a pioneer of Early Netherlandish painting, alongside Jacques Daret, which formed the basis for his sophisticated iconography and compositional skills.¹

The 'Descent from the Cross' is his best-authenticated masterpiece. Combining meticulous detail with dramatic emotion, it is considered one of the most influential paintings of the 15th century.¹

Durán Madonna

In 1436, he was appointed as the official painter of Brussels, a prestigious post that involved commissions for large-scale justice scenes for the City Hall in the Burgundian court's key residence.¹

He likely made a pilgrimage to Rome in 1450, connecting with Italian artists and patrons. His international reputation led him to train court painters from Milan in his Brussels workshop.¹

He achieved high social status and was known for his philanthropy, serving as a hospital administrator. Humanist scholars praised him as the 'most noble' of painters.¹