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A brilliant myth unravelled

Museum Hof van Busleyden, Mechelen (BE), 2024

In 1491, the knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece rode to Mechelen on horseback for an important gathering. Around the edges of a modern museum display, we unravel the meaning of this theatrical event.

The Burgundian theatre state

A set of 15th-century coats of arms made for the knights of the Golden Fleece for their Mechelen convocation in 1491 has been restored to its original glory. The event was a tour de force by the Burgundian duchy. Burgundy was a classic theatre state, in which the power relationship between ruler and subjects was manifested in public ceremonies and rituals. The idea of the theatre state led to the exhibition concept: the knights’ convocation as a stage show. A dramatic central installation showcases the coats of arms, while around the periphery a critically presented exhibition of objects unpacks the creation of myths and images connected to the Order of the Golden Fleece.


Photography: Sophie Nuytten & Sarah Geypens

Putting on a show

On entry, visitors are welcomed by an audio and light show. The coats-of-arms display is surrounded by stage curtains representing Mechelen’s Sint-Romboutskerk, where the Golden Fleece convocation took place. Narration by Bart van Loo, a historian and the author of the celebrated book The Burgundians, brings the gathering’s pomp and circumstance to life.

Unpacking the myth

Around the periphery of the display, an exhibition of historical objects examines and comments on six aspects of the event: context, action, rerelease, motive, costumes, and script. It shows how the Order of the Golden Fleece served as a theatrical instrument, with symbols and rituals that affirmed the Burgundian dukes’ power. For example, the costume section showcases the knights’ striking attire. Through the red cloaks and gold neck chains bearing the insignia of a ram’s fleece complete with head and hooves, the dukes created a division between members and nonmembers. The chains conferred additional status on the order by harking back to biblical stories and myths, such as the tale of Jason and the Golden Fleece.

Contemporary reflections

Contemporary art in the exhibition reflects on the historical objects and highlights the timelessness of the Burgundian PR machine. A 15th-century tapestry depicts a knights’ tournament held during the convocation, showing key figures Philip the Good, Maximilian of Austria, Joan of Castile, and the French king, through in real life they were never in the same place at the same time. Karim El Maktafi’s photograph echoes the scene, with modern-day knightlike figures in traditional garb and decked-out horses taking part in the centuries-old Moroccan performance known as fantasia. There’s also a child's suit of armour with an engraved Golden Fleece neck chain, made for the 12-year-old Philip the Good. Similar dress-up play is evident in Mous Lamrabat’s photographic portrait depicting a young man as a modern-day knight. The works of art in the show reveal the strategies behind the knights’ order and link them to the present moment.

“A refreshing 21st-century perspective on a glorious past.”

De Standaard – March 2024

Credits

Client
Museum Hof van Busleyden

Content design
Studio Louter

Spatial and Graphic Design
Atelier Alkema
OTW

Audio
Sound Wizard
Bart van Loo

Lighting design
Maarten Warmerdam

Construction
Potteau