Part 1

ADVERTISEMENT.

ILLUMINATED ILLUSTRATIONS TO FROISSART.

The present Volume completes the selection of Pictures made from the two volumes of the MS. in the British Museum. As these volumes, however, consist only of the Fourth Book of Froissart, none of the Illustrations have reference to any of the first three Books of the history. It has been determined, therefore, at the earnest solicitation of very many of the Subscribers to the present series, to publish a selection from the first, second and third Books, contained in the celebrated MS. in the Bibliothèque Royale at Paris, to correspond in extent and price with that now completed.

By this arrangement, the entire Chronicles will be illustrated; and as the drawings in the Paris MS. are, in many respects, very superior to those in the two volumes at the Museum, it is hoped that the publication of the additional twelve Numbers will give general satisfaction.

The first Number from the Paris MS. will be published on the first of January, price 3_s._ 6_d._

_December 1st, 1843._

ILLUMINATED ILLUSTRATIONS OF FROISSART.

ILLUMINATED

ILLUSTRATIONS OF FROISSART.

SELECTED FROM

The MS.

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

BY H. N. HUMPHREYS, ESQ.

LONDON: WILLIAM SMITH, 113, FLEET STREET.

MDCCCXLIV.

LONDON: BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS

ADVERTISEMENT.

The idea of publishing these illuminations was suggested by the great success which has attended the reprint of the Chronicles of Monstrelet and Froissart; the extensive sale of which books bears strong testimony to the searching spirit of inquiry now abroad. We are no longer content to read our early history through the filtered medium of a compilation, but seek it in the vivid pages of the chroniclers, who drew from the life, and sketched off in simple and quaint, but earnest language, the stirring panorama of their times. But the pleasure of reading such an historian as Froissart, in an ordinary printed book, is small when compared with that of reading him in one of the curious manuscripts of his own time.

To unclose the gilded clasps of one of those ponderous velvet-bound volumes, to turn over the crisp vellum, and read the story of those exciting times traced in quaint Gothic characters by careful clerks; but above all to admire the curious and elaborate borderings of the illuminated pages, and dwell on the miniature pictures, wrought with the greatest care and beauty by the most skilful contemporary limners, to embody more tangibly the narration of the author, is indeed a pleasure;--yet one which but few can enjoy. To afford that enjoyment to the many, and place before them some of the most interesting of these rare illuminations, is the object of the present publication.

The British Museum contains a magnificent MS. of Froissart, profusely illuminated with such miniature pictures. This MS. came into the Museum with the Harleian Collection, but how it found its way into that collection is unknown; we possess, however, only two of the volumes, the other two being in the Bibliothèque Royale of Paris. The work appears to be one of Flemish art, probably executed by some Flemish artist resident in Paris, as the public buildings in Paris are very correctly delineated, whilst those of other places are frequently altogether imaginary. It seems likely that the work was executed for Philip De Commines the historian, as it was evidently produced in his time, and as the arms of De Commines frequently occur in the ornamental borderings in the way it was usual to introduce those of the person for whom such a book was illuminated. The MS. is supposed to have been written between the years 1460 and 1480, very shortly after the time of Froissart; so that, though it is true that artists of that time painted all costumes from those of their own day, yet, as the fashions did not change so rapidly then as now, we may fairly imagine that we see the heroes and worthies of Froissart paraded before us in the very dresses which they wore; their glittering and complicated plate armour, their embroidered surcoats, emblazoned banners, and all the gorgeous paraphernalia of chivalry.

In these pictures we see them at their tournaments, exhibiting their well-trained horsemanship, their strength and skill in arms,--in their wars we see them in the more earnest exercise of their reckless valour; we see their vast engines of warfare which preceded cannon; and the first rude cannon of wood hooped with iron--we see also their frail ships, in which, without fear, the daring spirits of those times trusted themselves recklessly to the treacherous ocean. We see the burghers in their towns, and the lords in their castles; we see them in the intimacy of their domestic life and habits; we see the very patterns of the hangings of their rooms, and every minute incident of their household arrangements, their banquets and their festivals, represented by an artist of no mean skill; and when we consider that these illuminations were executed before Raphael was born, we cannot (with all their faults of perspective) but be astonished at their beauty and life-like accuracy, and frequently at the fine arrangement of drapery, and beautiful distribution of colour.

The present illuminations, copied from the precious MS. above alluded to, will be made as near fac-similes as possible, without any attempt at correction, or alteration in the drawing, so as to show the true spirit of the Gothic artist, and exhibit the state of art at the period. They are also the same size as the originals; yet so arranged, by occasionally sacrificing a little margin, that our subscribers may bind them up with the recent edition of Froissart (now the only one in print), and so possess a book nearly as interesting as the original MS. itself.

The ornamental letters given on the title-page, as well as the border in which are the arms of De Commines, are taken from the MS. referred to.

LIST OF PLATES,

WITH

REFERENCES TO SMITH’S EDITION OF “FROISSART,” IN TWO VOLUMES.

PLATE VOL.PAGE

I. THE CORONATION OF POPE BONIFACE IX. II. 426

II. MARRIAGE OF KING LOUIS OF SICILY TO THE DAUGHTER OF KING PEDRO OF ARRAGON II. 406

III. PROCLAMATION OF THE TRUCE BETWEEN RICHARD II. OF ENGLAND AND CHARLES VI. OF FRANCE II. 395

IV. EXPEDITION OF THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH TO THE COAST OF AFRICA, AT THE REQUEST OF THE GENOESE II. 466

V. THE RAISING OF THE SIEGE OF THE STRONG TOWN OF AFRICA II. 482

VI. TOURNAMENT AT ST. INGLEVERE, NEAR CALAIS II. 434

VII. ATTACK ON SIR OLIVER DE CLISSON II. 521

VIII. MEETING OF CHARLES VI. AND DUKE OF BRITTANY AT TOURS II. 507

IX. SURRENDER AND RE-TAKING OF THE CASTLE OF VENTADOUR II. 314

X. THE GREAT ASSAULT UPON THE TOWN OF AFRICA II. 472

XI. JOURNEY OF CHARLES VI. AND THE DUKE OF TOURAINE FROM MONTPELIER TO PARIS II. 424

XII. SIR PETER DE CRAON RECEIVED BY THE DUKE OF BRITTANY II. 527

XIII. THE SUDDEN DEATH OF COUNT GASTON DE FOIX II. 493

XIV. THE KING OF HUNGARY IN COUNCIL WITH HIS LORDS AND THOSE OF FRANCE II. 602

XV. THE DUKES OF BURGUNDY AND BERRI IN COUNCIL II. 536

XVI. THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY AND THE KING OF FRANCE IN COUNCIL II. 659

XVII. SIR JOHN FROISSART PRESENTING HIS BOOK TO RICHARD II. 577

XVIII. INTERVIEW OF RICHARD WITH THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER AT THE CASTLE OF PLESHY II. 644

XIX. THE RANSOM PAID TO BAJAZET FOR THE COUNT DE NEVERS, ETC. II. 648

XX. THE ARREST OF THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER II. 644

XXI. RICHARD SETTING OUT ON HIS EXPEDITION TO IRELAND II. 567

XXII. THE VISION OF ROBERT L’ERMITE II. 584

XXIII. THE LIBERATION OF THE LORD DE LA RIVIERE II. 588

XXIV. CORONATION OF HENRY IV. II. 698

XXV. MEETING OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY WITH THE EARL OF DERBY AT PARIS II. 684

XXVI. WILLIAM OF HAINAULT SETTING OUT ON HIS EXPEDITION AGAINST FRIESLAND II. 612

XXVII. LANDING OF THE LADY DE COUCY AT BOULOGNE II. 701

XXVIII. DEATH OF POPE CLEMENT OF AVIGNON II. 564

XXIX. THE KING OF FRANCE RECEIVING THE INTELLIGENCE OF THE DEFEAT IN TURKEY II. 628

XXX. THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER AND SIR JOHN LACKINGAY II. 636

XXXI. DEATH OF ANNE OF BOHEMIA II. 566

XXXII. DEATH OF EVAN DE FOIX II. 551

XXXIII. DUCHESS OF ORLEANS QUITTING PARIS II. 633

XXXIV. RECONCILIATION OF SIR OLIVER DE CLISSON AND THE DUKE OF BRITTANY II. 589

XXXV. JEHAN DE VARENNES PREACHING II. 565

XXXVI. THE FUNERAL OF RICHARD II. 708

PLATE I.

THE CORONATION OF POPE BONIFACE IX.

Pope Clement of Avignon, on hearing of the death of Urban VI. of Rome, assembled a conclave of Cardinals of his party, and strong hopes were entertained that the schism in the Church would be put an end to; nevertheless the Cardinals at Rome immediately elected Perrin de Tomacelli, Cardinal of Naples, who was crowned with great solemnity in October 1389, and took the name and title of Boniface IX., Clement continuing to act as Pope at Avignon. The composition of this illumination is arranged with great simplicity; the faces are of appropriate character and expression, and from their great variety and carefully varied features, it appears probable that some of them may be actual portraits of the individuals represented. It is coloured with exceeding richness; the flow and disposition of some of the drapery is almost equal to Albert Durer; and the linear perspective is pretty nearly correct.

PLATE II.

THE MARRIAGE OF KING LOUIS OF SICILY, SON OF THE DUKE OF ANJOU, TO THE DAUGHTER OF KING PEDRO OF ARRAGON.

This is one of the most carefully executed pictures in the volume; and the arrangement of the figures at the sides, combined with the impressive and characteristic simplicity of the central group, could scarcely be surpassed by modern artists; indeed, in symmetrical arrangement, they appear to be borrowing ideas from these illuminations of the middle ages, as may be perceived in some recent modern pictures. The account of this marriage is omitted in some of the MSS. of Froissart.

PLATE III.

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE TRUCE BETWEEN RICHARD II. OF ENGLAND AND CHARLES VI. OF FRANCE.

This truce (long delayed on account of the temporary insanity and sickness of the French king) between Richard II. of England and Charles VI. of France, was agreed should last from Michaelmas to St. John Baptist’s day, 1392, and one year longer. The drawing evidently represents a French town, as the provincial towns of France, even earlier than that period, had lofty houses of stone, many of which endure perfect to the present day, whilst in England the common houses of the towns of the same period were mostly built of timber and plaster, and were of very rude construction. This plate is also interesting on account of exhibiting so accurately the dress and general appearance of French citizens of the fourteenth century.

PLATE IV.

THE EXPEDITION OF THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH TO THE COAST OF AFRICA, AT THE REQUEST OF THE GENOESE.

The Genoese, whose trade and coasts had been much annoyed by the piratical excursions of African corsairs, determined to attack them in their stronghold, a town called Africa, about seventy miles from Tunis, subsequently destroyed by Andrea Doria. In order to give effect to the expedition, the Genoese invited knights of reputation from France, England, and other countries, to take charge of it; furnishing them with vessels and provisions, and several thousand Genoese crossbowmen and infantry free of cost. The proposition being readily embraced by many French and English knights of rank, the command was assumed by the Duke de Bourbon, the uncle of the King of France, and they sailed from Genoa on St. John Baptist’s Day, 1390; and Froissart says, “It was a beautiful sight to view this fleet, with the emblazoned banners of the different lords fluttering in the wind, and to hear the minstrels and other musicians sounding their pipes, clarions, and trumpets, whose sounds were re-echoed back by the sea.” They re-assembled at the island of Commino, after having been dispersed in a great storm; and the weather being fine, the sea calm, and the coast of Africa not far distant, many advanced in rowing-boats. Froissart continues. “It was a pleasure to see the rowers force their way through the smooth surface of the sea, which seemed to delight in bearing these Christians to the shores of the infidels;” and, “it was a fine sight to view their various banners and pennons fluttering with gentle gales, and glittering in the sun.” This appears to be the moment depicted by the illuminator. The personage in the rowing-boat in the foreground appears to be the Duke de Bourbon. In the large vessel are several French knights, with probably the Count d’Eu in the centre; and in the vessel partly seen on the left is Henry de Beaufort (a natural son of the Duke of Lancaster), who was in this expedition attended by many knights and squires of rank. Although the perspective in this picture is rather barbarous, and its composition fearfully inartificial, it has much interest if not merit of detail: it displays the manner of exposing the emblazoned shields of the knights on the sides of their vessels, and many other particulars interesting to the antiquary, and the artist has displayed considerable discrimination between the regular and more refined features of the knights and gentlemen so comfortably placed within the vessels, and the ignoble expression of the poor rowers, so barbarously exposed in an open framework outside the boat of the Duke de Bourbon.

PLATE V.

THE RAISING OF THE SIEGE OF THE STRONG TOWN OF AFRICA, AND THE RETURN OF THE EUROPEAN KNIGHTS.

The siege of Africa having failed, as it was thought partly in consequence of the pride and obstinacy of the Duke de Bourbon, and the army having fruitlessly remained sixty days before the place, suffering much loss, as well by the heat of the weather as in an attempt to take the town by storm, it was determined that they should re-imbark, and return to Europe, which they did.

In the picture, the Duke de Bourbon, in gilt armour, is seen following his standard-bearer into a boat; in the middle distance is the camp, about to be broken up; and farther off is seen the town, of course a mere imagination of the Flemish artist, for it represents all the characteristics of a Flemish town of the period. It is, however, beautifully pencilled, and reminds one of backgrounds of Flemish pictures of the best period.

PLATE VI.

TOURNAMENT HELD AT ST. INGLEVERE, NEAR CALAIS, WHEN THREE FRENCH KNIGHTS DEFENDED THE LISTS FOR THIRTY DAYS, AGAINST ALL COMERS FROM ENGLAND AND ELSEWHERE.

Sir John Holland, half brother to king Richard the Second, and many English knights, went over to Calais to accept the challenge of the French knights at this tournament. Three rich vermilion-coloured tents were pitched near to the lists, and in front of which were suspended two targets, for peace or war, emblazoned with the arms of each lord. It was ordered that such as were desirous of performing any deed of arms, should send to or have touched one or both of these targets according to their pleasure, and they would be tilted with according to their request. The following is Froissart’s account of one of the encounters, each of which he describes minutely.

“Sir Henry Beaumont” (an Englishman) “then came forward, and sent to have the target of Sir Boucicaut” (one of the French knights) “touched, who was instantly ready to reply to the call, having not dismounted from the tilts with Lord Clifford. The Lord Beaumont did not manage his lance well, and hit Boucicaut on the side, but Sir Boucicaut struck him so full in the middle of his shield, that it drove him to the ground, and continued his course. Lord Beaumont was raised up by his attendant and remounted. The Lord de Saimpi” (another of the French knights) “then presented himself, and they tilted two courses very handsomely, without hurt to either.”

The king of France was present in disguise at this tournament, and returned each evening after the tilting to an inn at Marquise; the English returned each evening to Calais; while the three French knights and their attendants were lodged at the convent of St. Inglevere.

This illumination shows extremely well the disposition of the lists, &c. &c., and the bearing of the knights in running a course.

PLATE VII.

THE ATTACK ON SIR OLIVER DE CLISSON, BY THE FOLLOWERS OF SIR PETER DE CRAON.

Sir Peter de Craon having been disgraced by King Charles VI. and his brother the Duke of Touraine, and banished the court of France, imagined Sir Oliver de Clisson to be the remote cause of his disfavour. To revenge himself, therefore, he caused many men-at-arms to conceal themselves in his hôtel at Paris; and having been privately informed of all the movements of Sir Oliver, who supped with the King on the day of the feast of the Holy Sacrament, and remained the last of the party, he attacked him on his way home with his men, and would have cruelly murdered him, but for a lucky accident that saved his life. Having received a severe blow on the back of his head that struck him senseless from his horse, he fell against the door of a baker, who was already up to attend to his bread, and hearing the noise, had slightly opened the door, which the weight of Sir Oliver now threw completely back, and he fell into the shop. The horsemen, thinking they had done their work effectually, now rode off, and thus Sir Oliver escaped, though desperately wounded. The King was much affected on hearing of the attempted murder of Sir Oliver, who was High Constable of France, and went immediately in his night-dress and slippers to visit him, for it was very near the hôtel St. Pol, and the King was not yet in bed when news of the event reached him. Sir Peter, though pursued immediately, escaped into Spain, and eventually he was again received into favour, and Sir Oliver fell into disgrace.

The artist has represented the hôtel St. Pol in the distance, adorned with niches and bronze statues, which, if not a true representation of the building, is interesting, as showing that such decorations were not unusual in the exterior architecture of houses of consequence at that period.

PLATE VIII.

THE MEETING OF CHARLES VI. OF FRANCE, AND THE DUKE OF BRITTANY AT TOURS.

Misunderstandings having long existed between the King (Charles VI.) of France and the Duke of Brittany, and being much increased by the protection afforded by the Duke to Sir Peter de Craon, many feared that other powerful Lords might follow his rebellious example, and the supremacy of the Crown, by degrees, be lost. It was, therefore, determined to invite the Duke to a conference with the King at Tours, which, after some difficulty, was effected; and though much bitterness was shown on both sides during the discussion, all disputes were eventually adjusted, and a general good understanding secured, by the proposal of a marriage between the son of the Duke of Brittany and a daughter of the King of France; and also between a son of the Lord of Blois and a daughter of the Duke of Brittany.

This illumination is among the best in the volume; the colours are vivid, and the gold enrichments managed with good effect; the moment represented is, doubtless, the first meeting of the Duke and the King, the former kneeling, (having removed his coronet), in token of homage. The two personages on the right are the Dukes of Burgundy and Berri, the King’s uncles. The introduction of the Pages of the Duke of Brittany in the foreground is managed with good effect; and the design of the apartment, with its tapestries, &c. is very interesting, as exhibiting a system of colouring, in which the ceiling is the darkest feature, and the floor the lightest: a principle just resuscitated with great effect by some of our leading architects.

PLATE IX.

THE SURRENDER AND RE-TAKING OF THE STRONG CASTLE OF VENTADOUR[1].

This subject is interesting, as showing pretty accurately the arrangement of the interior works of a fortified castle of the fourteenth century, and the manner of taking possession of such a place by an armed force.

The circumstances connected with the taking of this fortress by the troops of the Duke de Berri, are briefly as follows.

The wars between the French and English, which devastated a large portion of France during part of the fourteenth century, were aggravated in their ruinous effects upon the people by the Free Companies, a sort of land privateers who, under pretext of belonging to one or other party, pillaged small towns, captured castles when insufficiently defended, and, in short, preyed recklessly upon the defenceless; being, in fact, bands of robbers.

Geoffrey Tête-noire, one of these Free Companions, by the treachery of a servant, gained possession of the castle of Ventadour, in Auvergne, belonging to the Count de Montpensier, which, from its strong position among the mountains, was deemed at that time impregnable by force; indeed, it appears that it was so, for Geoffrey Tête-noire held it till his death, defeating every attempt to gain it by force, and refusing every offer to buy it with money; he considered it as his own inheritance, levying contributions on all the surrounding country, which enabled him to live in great state and plenty. He commenced his passports and treaties of composition with “Geoffrey Tête-noire, duke of Ventadour, count of Limousin, sovereign lord and commander of all the captains in Auvergne, Rouergue, and Limousin.”