Portrait of Antoine, 'Grand Bâtard' of Burgundy

[2] In common with most of van der Weyden's male portraits, Antoine is shown half profile staring aloofly into the middle distance.

The exact significance of the arrow held in the bastard's hand is unknown, although the fleece is thought to refer to either the Greek mythological hero Jason or the Hebrew warrior and judge Gideon.

He often idealised or softened their facial features, allowing them a handsomeness or beauty, interest or intelligence they might not have had in life.

Even allowing for aging, the artist seems to have enlarged the eyes, defined the contours of the face, and given a much stronger jaw than seen in Memling's portrait.

[3] The physical dissimilarities from other portraits of Anthony of Burgundy have made some critics tentatively identify the sitter of this portrait as John of Coimbra, Prince of Antioch, knight of the Golden Fleece who was sent into exile in Burgundy after his father Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra was killed in action in the Battle of Alfarrobeira when an arrow pierced his heart (thus providing a plausible explanation for the meaning of the arrow held by the sitter).