A180R The capture of Charles Blois, the Duke of Brittany, in the battle of La Roche-Dérien Froissart’s Chronicles

The illumination presents a chaotic scene of medieval warfare, rendered with a clarity that belies the violence depicted. A central rocky outcrop dominates the midground, serving as a focal point around which the action swirls. Here we see a densely populated battlefield, teeming with armored figures engaged in close-quarters combat. The composition is structured to emphasize movement and disorder; soldiers clash amidst fallen banners and scattered weaponry.
The artist employed a hierarchical scale, suggesting importance through size. A figure, presumably of high rank given his elaborate armor and prominent position near the center, appears to be falling from horseback, surrounded by a throng of combatants. This individual’s vulnerability is underscored by the precariousness of his posture and the surrounding melee. Other soldiers are shown in various states of action – charging with lances, wielding swords, or collapsing under blows. The rendering of their armor, while stylized, conveys a sense of weight and protection, yet also highlights the limitations of such defenses against determined opponents.
The background is less detailed, featuring a suggestion of rolling hills and a distant horizon line. This limited depth creates a sense of compression, intensifying the feeling of claustrophobia within the battle itself. The decorative border surrounding the central scene contributes to the overall aesthetic. It’s filled with intricate floral patterns and stylized animal figures – an elephant is visible in the lower left corner – which contrast sharply with the brutality of the depicted conflict. This juxtaposition serves to elevate the narrative beyond a mere depiction of violence, hinting at a broader commentary on power, loss, and the fragility of human existence within a larger cosmic order.
The text accompanying the image provides context, though its legibility is limited. The script appears to narrate the events unfolding in the visual field, reinforcing the didactic purpose of the illumination – likely intended to instruct or commemorate a significant historical event. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos; despite the apparent disorder, the artist’s hand guides the viewers eye through the scene, emphasizing key figures and moments within this dramatic encounter.