Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Artwork

Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece

Pierre Coustain

Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece, by Pierre Coustain, oil
Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece, by Pierre Coustain, oil

Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Pierre Coustain. It is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

The composition adheres to the conventions of heraldic art, prioritizing the clear depiction of symbolic insignia over narrative scenery.

Executed in 1481 by Pierre Coustain, this heraldic painting utilizes oil paint applied to a wooden panel support. The work measures 120 cm in height and 77 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece functions as a formal representation of chivalric identity, specifically depicting the shield of Edward IV in his role as a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

The composition adheres to the conventions of heraldic art, prioritizing the clear depiction of symbolic insignia over narrative scenery.

History & Provenance

The shield depicting the arms of Edward IV as a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece was created in 1481 by the artist Pierre Coustain. Executed in oil paint on a wooden panel, the work measures 120 cm in height and 77 cm in width. The piece was commissioned to represent the English monarch within the context of the prestigious chivalric order.

Today, the painting is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is classified as a work of heraldic art.

The Shield of Edward IV is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The artwork, created by Pierre Coustain in 1481, is cataloged within the museum's holdings as a painting on panel. While specific accession numbers are not detailed in the provided records, the work is identified as a significant piece of heraldic art within the institution's inventory. No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.

Legacy

The Shield of Edward IV, painted by Pierre Coustain in 1481, played a key role in shaping the visual language of late medieval English chivalry. Its depiction of the king in the regalia of the Order of the Golden Fleece established a precedent for portraying sovereign authority through symbolic armor, influencing subsequent depictions of royal insignia in European heraldry. The work's survival in the Rijksmuseum collection has allowed continued scholarly attention to its artistic and historical significance, reinforcing its reputation as a rare example of 15th-century English court portraiture rendered in oil on panel.

Overview

The Shield of Edward IV is a 1491 oil painting depicting the heraldic shield of Edward IV, King of England, in his capacity as a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Created by Pierre Coustain, a court artist of Philip the Good, the work is characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting centers on Edward IV's shield, divided into four quarters: two featuring lions on red backgrounds and two displaying flowers on yellow backgrounds. Surrounding elements, including a crown, twisted vines, leaves, and ornate script, highlight his titles such as Duke of York and Prince of Wales, symbolizing his noble and knightly affiliations.

Context

Commissioned during Edward IV's lifetime (though after his death in 1483, suggesting a posthumous honor), the shield reflects the cross-European ties of the Order of the Golden Fleece and the artistic exchanges between the Burgundian court and England.

Shield of Jacob of Luxemburg (after 1441-1488), Lord of Fiennes, in his capacity as knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece
Shield of Jacob of Luxemburg (after 1441-1488), Lord of Fiennes, in his capacity as knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, Pierre Coustain

Artist & collection

Artist

Pierre Coustain

Pierre Coustain was a painter and sculptor at the Court of Philip the Good. His name occurs in the records of the brotherhood of St. Luke at Bruges in the year 1450 as Painter Royal.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

VISUALLY SIMILAR

Similarity 98 percent

SAME SUBJECT

Similarity 100 percent
This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Rijksmuseum. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece?

Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece was painted by Pierre Coustain.

Where can I see Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece?

Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece?

Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece?

Museum-quality prints of Shield of Edward IV (1442-1483), king of England, in his capacity as knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.