“Philippe de Valois Appointed Regent,” created by Jean Fouquet between 1455 and 1460, is an exemplary piece of the Northern Renaissance art movement. This history painting, part of the “Grandes Chroniques de France” series, resides in the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris, France.
The artwork portrays a significant historical event with meticulous attention to detail and vibrant colors. Set against a richly decorated backdrop adorned with fleur-de-lis motifs, the scene features Philippe de Valois engaged in a ceremonious act of being appointed regent. The panel is divided by intricate Gothic arches, enhancing the grandeur of the moment. Philippe, donned in regal garments, stands solemnly on the left, while a host of elaborately dressed figures, including a crowned noblewoman who gesticulates, populate the right. Their expressions and gestures contribute to the narrative, encapsulating the solemnity and importance of the occasion. The artwork’s use of perspective and architectural details exemplifies Fouquet’s mastery in blending historical narrative with artistic finesse.
