Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Fiore di vertu
Central or Southeastern France, ca. 1460
MS M.771 fol. 103r

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Aristotle: Scene, teaching Alexander the Great -- Aristotle, wearing fur-lined hat, mantle and robe, stands at lectern with his right hand on one of two open books on the lectern. Behind him are two shelves with books, four open. Two more books are below the shelf and two on the base of the lectern. Scroll by his head is labelled ARISTOTE. To right of Aristotle, Alexander the Great, name inscribed on scroll ALEXANDRE ROY, crowned, wearing fur-lined robe, seated on throne, holding with both hands, open book on lap. The throne is placed at end of building. At right stand four men: Ptolemy, name inscribed on scroll PTHOLOMEE, crowned, wearing fur-lined robe, his left hand holding handle of astronomical or scientific instrument or dial, glancing toward Alexander; Gregory the Great, named inscribed on scroll S(AINT) GREGOIRE, wearing triple crowned papal tiara, holding keys; Galen, name inscribed on scroll GALIEN, wearing robe lined with fur, holding jar (?) with both hands; back-turned man wearing fur-lined robe. In foreground is circular chair.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament. In lower margin, escutcheon decorated with Rochechouart family heraldry (barry-nebuly of five argent and gules).