Origins & Early Life

Rogier van der Weyden (Dutch: [roːˈɣiːr vɑn dər ˈʋɛidə(n)]; 1399 or 1400 – 18 June 1464), initially Roger de la Pasture (French: [ʁɔʒe d(ə) la pastyʁ]), was an early Netherlandish painter whose surviving works consist mainly of religious triptychs, altarpieces, and commissioned single and diptych portraits. He was highly successful in his lifetime; his paintings were exported to Italy and Spain, and he received commissions from, amongst others, Philip the Good, Burgundian nobility, and foreign aristocrats. By the latter half of the 15th century, he had eclipsed Jan van Eyck in popularity. However his fame lasted only until the 17th century, and largely due to changing taste, he was almost totally forgotten by the mid-18th century.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His reputation was slowly rebuilt during the 200 years that followed; today he is known, with Robert Campin and Van Eyck, as the third (by birth date) of the three great Early Netherlandish artists (Vlaamse Primitieven or "Flemish Primitives"), and widely as the most influential Northern painter of the 15th century. Very few details of Van der Weyden's life are known. The few facts we know come from fragmentary civic records. Yet the attribution of paintings...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert of Saxony (philosopher) — Contemporary (Died in 1390) (1390): German philosopher and mathematician known for logic and physics.
• Jan van Eyck — Contemporary (Born in 1390) (1390): Pioneering Early Netherlandish master, celebrated for innovative oil techniques.
• Cosimo de' Medici — Contemporary (Died in 1464) (1464): Banker and patron who established the Medici family's rule over Renaissance Florence.
• Nicholas of Cusa — Contemporary (Died in 1464) (1464): German cardinal and philosopher, key proponent of Renaissance humanism.
• Alan Davis — Shared historical date (06-18 · Born) (1956): English comic book writer and artist known for Captain Britain and X-Men work.
• Ali Akbar Khan — Shared historical date (06-18 · Died) (2009): Master sarod virtuoso who popularized Hindustani classical music in the West.
• John of Gaunt — Historical peer (Died in 1399) (1399): Influential English prince, Duke of Lancaster, and founder of the royal House of Lancaster.
• Xuande Emperor — Historical peer (Born in 1399) (1399): Fifth Ming Emperor, known for literary passion and reversing capital plans.
• Bartolomeo Colleoni — Historical peer (Born in 1400) (1400): Renowned 15th-century Italian condottiero and military officer of Venice.
• Chang Yŏngsil — Historical peer (Born in 1400) (1400): Pioneering Joseon Dynasty inventor and scientist, renowned for mechanical engineering.
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