Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Faits des Romains
Northern France or Belgium, ca. 1460
MS M.213 fol. 18v

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Julius Caesar: Scene, Conquest of Gaul, surrender of Gallic city -- Julius Caesar, wearing gold imperial crown over visored helmet and heraldic coat of or with double-headed eagle displayed (partly visible and possibly arms of Holy Roman Empire), is mounted on horse surrounded by group of five soldiers, wearing wide-brimmed, conical or turban-like headgear, at least four figures are mounted on bridled and saddled horses, three carry spears, the foremost soldier, feet in stirrups, extends left hand to key in extended right hand of kneeling man, holding his hat in left hand, accompanied by man holding keys and another man, possibly wearing miter (partly visible), both emerging from city gate with two crenellated towers. Scene in grassy landscape with trees in background. Figures and architectural detail painted in grisaille. Decorated with ivy-rinceaux and floreate ornament in border above and below left column, miniature within gold frame. Initial F of France decorated with foliate and floreate ornament. Miniature for Chapter 887 of Faits de Romains. See text edition, Flutre (1935-38): Part II, Chapter 1, Section 1, Description of Gaul.