The Lords of Montfoort
Photo: Rijksmuseum

The Lords of Montfoort

May 5, 2023
Title
The Lords of Montfoort
Author
Anonymous
Published Date
circa 1400

The Memorial Tablet for the Lords of Montfoort is the oldest known surviving painting that was made in the Netherlands. It was created by an unknown artist. Four Dutch knights kneel before the Virgin. From left to right these are: Jan I van Montfoort, his uncle Roelof de Rover, his uncle Willem de Rover, and presumably Hendrik de Rover Willemsz. Of the four, three on the left were killed at the Battle of Wands in 1345, and the fourth was severely wounded but survived. Behind them stands Saint George, a Christian battle saint, watching over them. The latter knight is held by Saint George. This signifies the fact that he was the only one of the four persons on the painting to have survived the battle.

The painting was restored in 1608 and 1770. The four personal arms symbols were added later.

Photo: Rijksmuseum

Saint George is one of the Christian saints and a martyr of the late Roman period (around the 3rd century). He is famous for the legend of his dragon slaying. Incidentally, the name George in the Anglophone world comes from this Georgius (Georges). The coat of arms above each of the knights shows that they belong to the DeRover family of Montfort.

Photo: Portrait of Saint George by Hans von Kulmbach ((c. 1510))

There is a pattern that looks like an 'X.' This painting carries their memory to posterity.

Photo: Rijksmuseum

Photo: Coat of arms of Montfort
Photo: The coat of arms of Montfort on the bridge

References

This article is based on the text and audio commentary on the Rijksmuseum website.
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