In the second half of the fourteenth century, the Maelwael-Limbourg artistic pedigree was very active in Nijmegen. The most famous members of this artistic lineage were Jan Maelwael and the Limbourg brothers - Paul, Herman and Jan Limbourg.

The Limbourg brothers' work became internationally renowned under the name of their patron - Jean de France, the Duke of Berry (1340 - 1416) who lived alternately in Bourges and Paris. The Limbourg brothers worked at his court, copying, compiling and especially illustrating manuscripts, such as Les Belles Heures and Les Très Riches Heures.