Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Faits des Romains
Northern France or Belgium, ca. 1460
MS M.213 fol. 91r

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Miniature column, left: Julius Caesar: Scene, Conquest of Gaul, Senators before Caesar -- Julius Caesar, wearing imperial crown and ermine-trimmed garments, looks away, holds scepter in right hand and raises left hand, seated on canopied throne before four men (Roman Senators), three holding their hats, the foremost two partly kneeling. Behind the throne stand two of Caesar’s men, wearing brimmed hats, one extends left forefinger. Interior scene of brick walls and arched portal. Figures and throne painted in grisaille. Miniature column, right: Julius Caesar: Scene, Civil Wars, Crossing Rubicon -- Julius Caesar, bearded, wearing gold imperial crown and heraldic coat of or, with displayed double-headed eagle (partly visible and possibly arms of Holy Roman Empire), is mounted on bridled and saddled horse, feet in stirrups, accompanied by eleven (?) soldiers and men, wearing brimmed hats or helmets, at least one is mounted on bridled and saddled horse, feet in stirrups, two hold bannered lances, one heraldic banner, or with displayed double-headed eagle (Holy Roman Empire?). All approach River Rubicon, in which is male musician playing trumpet, partly submerged, and fully submerged, female figure, possibly Personification of River Rubicon. Scene in hilly landscape with trees in background. Figures and horses painted in grisaille. Decorated with ivy-rinceaux and floreate ornament in border above and below left column, including daisies, miniatures within gold frames. Initial Q of Quant decorated with foliate and floreate ornament. Miniature in left column for Chapter 957 of Faits de Romains. See text edition, Flutre (1935-38): Part II, Chapter 23, Section 13, Caesar learning that the Senate had proclaimed Martial Law (against Pompey). Miniature in right column for Chapter 959 of Faits de Romains. See text edition, Flutre (1935-38): Part III, Chapter 1, Section 1, Caesar crosses the River Rubicon enroute to Rome.