Portrait of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy
Philip the Good, the great-great-grandfather of Emperor Charles V, founded the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1430.
This exclusive chivalric order was primarily intended to strengthen the ties between the court and the nobility. The insignia of this prestigious group of nobles is a golden ram’s fleece, complete with head and legs, hanging from a chain. It can be seen here around the sitter’s neck and in the background surrounding the coat of arms.