A207R Battle of Poitiers Froissart’s Chronicles

The scene presented depicts a public execution unfolding against a backdrop of imposing architecture. A man is suspended from a wooden structure, seemingly a scaffold or gallows, positioned directly in front of a substantial building with arched windows and crenellated walls. The deceased figure is unclothed from the waist up, revealing a significant wound – likely inflicted by an axe or similar weapon – that bleeds profusely.
A man clad in green and red garments ascends the ladder leading to the body, his posture suggesting he is either adjusting the position of the corpse or performing some ritualistic act related to the display. Below, a large crowd has gathered, their attire indicating varied social standing within a medieval society. The men are dressed in a range of colors – reds, greens, blues, and blacks – with hats denoting status or affiliation. Their expressions are difficult to discern definitively, but there is an overall sense of detached observation rather than overt emotional distress.
At the base of the scaffold, a pyre burns brightly, casting flickering light across the scene. Several individuals stand near the fire, some gesturing towards it, perhaps indicating its significance in the aftermath of the execution or as part of a broader symbolic act. The presence of the fire introduces an element of purification or destruction, adding another layer to the narrative.
The composition is structured around strong vertical and diagonal lines created by the ladder and the scaffold itself, drawing the viewer’s eye upwards towards the hanged man. This emphasizes his vulnerability and public display. The architectural backdrop provides a sense of permanence and institutional authority, suggesting that this event is sanctioned and integral to the established order.
Subtexts within the image revolve around themes of justice, punishment, and power dynamics. The execution serves as a demonstration of authority, intended to deter others from similar transgressions. The detached demeanor of the crowd suggests an acceptance or normalization of such public displays of violence. The fire could symbolize not only destruction but also renewal or cleansing – potentially representing the eradication of perceived threats to societal stability. The artist’s choice to depict the scene with a degree of formality and detail underscores the gravity of the event and its importance within the context of the time.