Burgundian Splendor.

At the end of the 14^th century the marriage of the daughter of the Count of Flanders with the duke of Burgundy was the start of a powerful conglomeration that in the next century evolved into a "middle kingdom" between France and Germany, as can be seen on a map of their successive acquisitions.

This lucky combination made the dukes of Burgundy (and Flanders) the wealthiest European rulers. Seduced by the cosmopolitan atmosphere of their Flemish possessions, they preferred to stay in Bruges, where the presence of their court was a powerful stimulus for culture and economy. This is clear from the splendid houses of citizens of that time, some of them still existing today (an example is Gruuthuse). It is also illustrated by the emergence of the group of painters which became later known as the "Flemish Primitives".

Indeed the first, and also the most important of them, Jan Van Eyck, worked until his death for the duke’s court in Bruges. His masterpiece, "The Adoration of the Lamb", can now be seen in Ghent. One of his successors was Hans Memlinc, who lived most of his life in Bruges where he painted for wealthy citizens and organizations, among them the St.John's hospital (the place where the meeting will be held). Paintings from Hans Memlinc served as cover for the First (The Announcement) and the Second Announcement (The Last Judgment).

However, the first signs of economic decline started to appear. Due to the silting of the Zwin, the sea-arm that originally reached the city, Bruges was no longer a seaport (see Bruges and the sea). Moreover the textile industry found serious competitors in Holland and England. For the time being the consequences were not discernible because the losses were by made up by replacing traditional activities with the production of high-quality goods.

The last duke, Philip the Bold almost succeeded in linking territorially Burgundy with Flanders (see map), but he died on the battlefield. His daughter, Mary of Burgundy, married Maximilian of Austria, the German Emperor. This marriage had far-reaching consequences. By acquiring Flanders and Burgundy the Habsburg family suddenly became the dominating power in Europe.