Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Histoire ancienne jusqu’à César
Belgium, ca. 1460
MS M.212 fol. 69r

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Legend, Trojan War: Rape of Helen -- In temple, possibly Temple of Venus, with altar, above which in niche is statue of female figure, possibly Venus, wearing headdress, and Helen, wearing crown and long belt at waist, accompanied by female attendant, wearing headdress, are surrounded by Paris, wearing armor and sheath at waist, and one man, wearing hat, and one helmeted soldier, holding spear in right hand, emerging through arched portal, temple of brick walls, two pilasters with gothic capitals, and tiled floor. Figures painted in grisaille. Margins decorated with floreate and foliate border above and below right column, miniature within gold frame. Illustration of Book 5, History of Troy. Initial Q of Quant decorated with heraldry of the Créquy family (or, wild plum gules).