John I was a scion of the French royal family who ruled the Burgundian State from 1404 until his assassination in 1419. He played a key role in French national affairs during the early 15th century, particularly in the struggles to rule the country for the mentally ill King Charles VI, his cousin, and the Hundred Years' War with England. A rash, ruthless and unscrupulous politician, John murdered the King's brother, the Duke of Orléans, in an attempt to gain control of the government, which led to the eruption of the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War in France and in turn culminated in his own assassination in 1419.
Copy of an original from c. 1415 by Rogier van der Weyden
Miniature showing John the Fearless's assassination on the bridge at Montereau, painted by the Master of the Prayer Books
The Burgundian State is a concept coined by historians to describe the vast complex of territories that is also referred to as Valois Burgundy.
Anonymous portrait of Duke Philip the Bold
Portrait of Duke John the Fearless, after Jean Malouel
Portrait of Duke Philip the Good, after Rogier van der Weyden
Portrait of Duke Charles the Bold by Rogier van der Weyden