Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Poème sur la Passion
France, Rouen, ca. 1530
MS M.147 fol. 5r

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Beneath triple-winged Personification of Victory standing on cloud in sky, Louise of Savoy, veiled, with hands on kneeling figure, presents female Personification, possibly representing Poetry, extending winged book toward Francis I of France, helmeted, wearing chemise of fleur-de-lis over full armor, empty sword sheath fastened at waist, and spurs on feet, mounted on bridled and saddled horse, feet in stirrups, the horse wearing helmeted armor and caparison decorated with two salamanders surrounded by two scrolls and with motto of Francis I inscribed NVTRISCO ET EXTING(V)O. Francis raises sword in right hand stayed by two flying women, a third touches his helmet, all three are possibly Personifications of Virtues. Miniature for Louise of Savoy’s address and presentation of the manuscript to her son Francis I.