A072R Battle of Sleiss in 1340 Froissart’s Chronicles

The illumination presents a naval engagement unfolding across a central scene framed by elaborate foliate borders. Here we observe two large sailing vessels locked in fierce combat; their masts are crowded with figures engaged in hand-to-hand fighting. The ships themselves appear relatively close, suggesting an intense and chaotic melee. Figures swarm the decks and rigging, wielding swords and spears, creating a dense visual field of activity. Color differentiation is employed to distinguish the opposing forces – one side appears predominantly in red attire, while the other wears blue.
The artist has rendered the sky as a stormy grey, contributing to the overall sense of drama and conflict. The composition’s perspective is flattened; depth is not convincingly established, which is characteristic of medieval manuscript illumination. This lack of spatial realism prioritizes clarity and narrative legibility over naturalistic representation.
Flanking the central battle scene are decorative elements. To the left, a heraldic shield displays a complex coat of arms, while to the right, a stag stands amidst foliage, symbolizing nobility or perhaps resilience in adversity. These flanking motifs serve as visual anchors for the composition and likely carry symbolic weight related to the historical context of the depicted event.
Below the central image, dense blocks of text are visible, written in an ornate script. The text is integral to understanding the narrative being conveyed; it provides a verbal account of the battles events and likely identifies the participants involved. The presence of text alongside the visual representation underscores the manuscript’s function as both a pictorial and literary artifact.
Subtly, the illumination conveys themes of conflict, power, and perhaps divine intervention (given the stormy sky). The meticulous detail in depicting weaponry and armor suggests an interest in military technology and the realities of warfare during the period. The decorative borders and heraldic elements highlight the importance of lineage and social status within the context of the battle. Overall, the work functions as a visual chronicle of a historical event, intended to inform and perhaps inspire its audience.