|
|
|
|||||||||
 |
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
Bird and grotesque [detail] From Les anciennes hystoires rommaines: Li Fet des Romains, Royal 16 G VII, f. 219r, 14th century The British Library, London |
||||||||||
|
Birds among
foliage from the margin of the folio of this manuscript,
which is a prose retelling of Roman history, drawing from classical
sources such as Livy and medieval adaptations, with a focus on
notable figures and events. Likely commissioned for a member of the
royal court, the manuscript reflects the medieval aristocracy’s
fascination with Roman virtues as a model for governance and
chivalry. Richly illuminated, it features miniatures, decorative
borders and ornate initials, blending classical themes with medieval
artistic styles.
|
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
