Combat de chevalerie

Hand patinated reproduction on a plexiglass base. Mold made from a print of the original work.

This 14th century box lid is illustrated with scenes of a courteous nature, episodes of the Romans de la table Ronde. It is divided into three parts: in the centre, two knights compete in a tournament, greeted by the heralds sounding the trumpet; above, gathered on a tribune, ladies contemplate the stage.

On the sides, one can recognize the attack of the castle of Love by two knights who throw roses using a catapult while another climbs a ladder to join the ladies, as well as the kidnapping of one of them by a horseman, perhaps Lancelot and Queen Guinevere.

These sculpted scenes were intended to recall famous novels in which love, valour and youth were found, subjects often exploited in ivory objects of the time such as mirror valves.

Wall bracket included
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