Etienne Chevalier with St. Stephen

Etienne Chevalier with St. Stephen is the left hand panel of one of Fouquet's most significant works the "Melundiptych". Commissioned by Etienne Chevalier the treasurer of France who had previously patroned Jean Fouquet through his illuminated "Book of Hours" with the intent to place over the tomb of his wife at Notre Dame de Melun. Etienne Chevalier who was the founder of Notre Dame de Melun can be seen kneeling on the left with his patron saint St. Stephen standing besides him with one hand upon his shoulder and the other holding a book and a rock which symbolizes St. Stephen's martyrdom. Both figures solemnly face towards the right side diptych which featured the Madonna and child both colored in pure white and surrounded by angels of brilliantly striking red and blue hues. It is strongly believed that the Madonna was modeled directly from Agnes Sorel, lover of King Charles the VII and considered the most beautiful woman in all of France.