Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Heptameron
France, ca. 1560
MS M.242 fol. viv

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Woman, probably author Margaret of Angoulême (Marguerite de Navarre), is seated flanked by five members of court, including four women and one man. Of two musicians in foreground, one plays viol and the other lute. Scene is outside castle or city in landscape with trees, and wildlife including rabbit, birds, two confronted, and porcupine (?). In background two figures are on bridge over stream, one on shore looking at the group, and two small boats in water.
Above, two putti support escutcheon decorated with heraldry of Francis I of France, including salamander amid flames and label of three crescents (?). Scrolls between wings of putti are inscribed NVTRISCO ET EXTINGVO, personal motto of Francis I.