Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Cas des nobles hommes et femmes malheureux
France, probably Tours, ca. 1480
MS G.35 fol. 307v

See more information »

Eight scenes in continuous narrative (described counterclockwise from lower left):
1) De Casibus Virorum Illustrium: Scene, Death of Brunhilda of Austrasia -- Brunhilda, laying on ground beside crown, is drawn by ropes pulled by three horsemen, riding in opposing directions. In raised canopied box draped with cloth inscribed with fleur-de-lys sits Clotaire, crowned, holding scepter, with name inscribed, surrounded by ten witnesses. Scene in plaza ringed with houses, with cross standing in center.
2) De Casibus Virorum Illustrium: Scene, Phocas murdering Maurice Tiberius and his Family -- Phocas, with name inscribed, wearing hat, standing with group of men, with left hand points toward Maurice Tiberius, crowned, with name inscribed, falling forward off throne, flanked by two helmeted soldiers with swords, including one stabbing him in the back. On ground before Maurice lay three boys and Constantina, crowned, all bleeding from wounds.
3) De Casibus Virorum Illustrium: Scene, Muhammed preaching -- Muhammed, with name inscribed and bird beside his ear, stands gesturing to group of men and women, some standing and some seated. Beside Muhammed stands bull, with open book with pseudo-inscription resting on his horns.
4) De Casibus Virorum Illustrium: Scene, Romilda and Gisulf -- Gisulf, crowned, wearing armor and helmet, standing with helmeted soldiers, with right hand indicates Romilda, crowned, bleeding (?), atop one of three tents. Above her is inscribed GISULFE. Before the tents are armies of helmeted soldiers, with banners and spears, and with mounted knights with lances.
5) De Casibus Virorum Illustrium: Scene, Unidentified -- Man lays in bed beneath covers. On his breast is crown. Illegible inscription above. Two men stand beside the bed. Scene in room.
6) De Casibus Virorum Illustrium: Scene, Pope John XII blinding Benedict -- Pope John XII, wearing triple crown papal tiara and vestments, with left hand points toward Benedict, wearing cardinal's vestments, seated on bench, being blinded by sword held by helmeted soldier. Another soldier stands behind Benedict. Scene in room.
7) De Casibus Virorum Illustrium: Scene, Philippicus Bardanes blinded -- Helmeted soldier gestures to second helmeted soldier, with sword blinding Philippicus Bardanes, crowned, with name inscribed, seated. Scene in building, with army outside.
8) De Casibus Virorum Illustrium: Scene, Constantine destroying Idols -- Man stands behind Constantine, crowned, with name inscribed, gesturing to two men, with hammers, smashing idols on columns. Scene in interior.
Margins with floreate and ivy-rinceaux ornament.