Barthélemy d'Eyck – In Search of the Master of the Aix Annunciation

The mystery surrounding Barthélemy d’Eyck and the Aix Annunciation Triptych unraveled.

Few masterpieces of fifteenth-century painting have guarded their secrets as well as the Aix Annunciation Triptych (1443–1445). Its panels are now scattered across Europe, treasured by some of the world’s most famous museums. For a long time, the identity of the painter remained a mystery, referred to only as the ‘Master of the Aix Annunciation’. Today he is identified as Barthélemy d’Eyck, who also worked on the calendar miniatures of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, one of the most celebrated illuminated manuscripts ever made.

This book brings Barthélemy d’Eyck out of the shadows. Using newly discovered documents and technical analysis of the surviving fragments, it traces his origins, career and network within and beyond the court of René d’Anjou. It also reassesses the patron and liturgical setting of the work and argues that this Provençal altarpiece stands at the pinnacle of fifteenth-century Western European painting. The result is a revealing portrait of an artist who deserves to be known.

Praise for Barthélemy d'Eyck – In Search of the Master of the Aix Annunciation by Breghtje Dik:

‘A major study on an elusive and fascinating artist: richly researched, beautifully illustrated and full of new insights and fresh analysis of the documentary and material evidence.’

Professor Susie Nash, Courtauld Institute of Art, London

‘Breghtje Dik has written a new history of the fascinating Aix Annunciation Triptych. A feat of strength, made possible by careful re-examination of archival sources relating to the artist and the patron, combined with a material analysis of the panels that compose this major work.’

Professor Emeritus Philippe Lorentz, Sorbonne Université and former curator at the Musée du Louvre, Paris

‘Breghtje Dik strikes a wonderful balance between different art-historical methodologies, moving effortlessly from biographical research to the archival sources on a major work and on to its fascinating materials and techniques. It is a true pleasure to find such a broad grasp of the discipline in a young scholar.’

Professor Ron Spronk, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

‘At last, Barthélemy d’Eyck is given the place he deserves in art history. With erudition and narrative skill, Breghtje Dik brings one of the fifteenth century’s most intriguing artists out of the shadows. Combining archival research, art-historical analysis and technical examination, this publication is far more than a monograph: it is a window onto the culture of the fifteenth century.’

Dr Bart Fransen, KIK-IRPA, Brussels