Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Il fior di battaglia / Fiore dei Liberi
Italy, Venice, early 15th century
MS M.383 fol. 6v

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Pairs of combatants:
1) Scene, Sports and Games: Combat -- At upper left, one of two pupils astride two confronted bridled horses, raises empty right hand. The second pupil, wearing garter, holds raised sword with right hand against right arm of first pupil.
2) Scene, Sports and Games: Combat -- At upper right, one of two pupils astride two confronted bridled horses, wearing garter, extends right hand holding raised sword. The second pupil holds sword downward with blade next to neck of his horse.
3) Scene, Sports and Games: Combat -- At lower left, astride two bridled horses side by side and facing opposite directions, one of two pupils, wearing garter on left leg, raises sword with right hand, wrapping that arm around neck of other pupil. The second pupil, holds raised sword with right hand.
4) Scene, Sports and Games: Combat -- At lower right, astride two bridled horses side by side and facing opposite directions, one of two pupils wraps right arm around neck of second pupil. Second pupil, wearing garter around right arm, holding sword with right hand, extends that arm across back of first pupil, possibly stabbing horse of first pupil.