Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Histoire ancienne jusqu’à César
Belgium, ca. 1460
MS M.212 fol. 63v

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Legend, Thebes: Women of Argos attacking Thebes -- Outside city wall of Thebes of three crenellated towers, among six armed soldiers, possibly women of Argos, wearing hats or helmets, one holds spear in right hand, one holds mace over right shoulder wearing sheath at waist, three hold shields and climb two ladders propped on the wall. On ground, one soldier lies prone between spear and shield. Above on the wall, among three helmeted soldiers, one holds mace, one hold weapon, possibly halberd, and one raises stone above head, three stones on ground. Scene in grassy landscape with tree in background. Figures painted in grisaille. Margins decorated with floreate and foliate border above and below left column, miniature within gold frame. Illustration of Book 3, History of Thebes. Initial Q of Quant decorated with floreate and foliate ornament.