Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Siege and destruction of Troy, Lydgate’s version
England, ca. 1400-1450
M.876 fol. 121v

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Legend, Generides: Bellyns in Battle against Amalek -- In foreground, Bellyns (King of Kings), wearing helmet decorated with twisted band and flowing hair (?), raising bloodied sword with right hand, holding reins with left hand, is astride bridled horse, confronting Amalek, crowned, wearing helmet and armor, astride horse, his breast bleeding, pierced by two lances. At left, horseman, with lance, pierces breast of another soldier astride horse. Beyond the horsemen, foot-soldiers, wearing helmets and armor, six (?) also crowned, carry weapons inclucing, swords, spears, halberds, axes, and mace. Some carry banners decorated with rampant lion, bird, heraldry (bendy argent and sable), figure holding battle-axe, face (?) and dragon (?). Bodies of four soldiers, one beheaded, one pierced by spear, all bleeding, recline on ground.
In background busts of two women wearing hennins watch from crenellated parapet flanked by two towers.
Miniature within frame below two columns of text.