This gorgeous manuscript contains rules governing proud knights seeking redress to some offense or another on the field of armor
Cerimonies et ordonnances
France — 1460–1465

Cerimonies et ordonnances
France — 1460–1465
Laws concerning dueling were written during the reign of King Philip IV of France (1268-1314)
This manuscript was commissioned ca. 1460-65 by Duke Francis II of Brittany (1433-88)
Twelve gorgeous miniatures illustrate scenes of two knights seeking redress in their quarrel
Cerimonies et ordonnances
- Libro de los torneos – Ceremonias y ordenanzas
- Les Cerimonies et ordonnances qui se appartiennent à gaige de bataille fait par querelle, selon les constitutions faictes par le bon roy Phelippe de France
Short Description
This wonderfully illuminated manuscript from ca. 1460-65 contains a text from the late 12th or early 13th centuries concerning the laws of combat, dueling in particular, attributable to King Philip IV of France (1268-1314). A series of tournament scenes are presented in gorgeous frames of floral tendrils populated with birds, animals, people, and grotesques. The splendid manuscript was commissioned by Francis II (1433-88), the rich and powerful Duke of Brittany who was a major player in the politics of the mid- to late-15th century.
Cerimonies et ordonnances
Few images of the Middle Ages are as iconic as two noble knights settling a quarrel with the strength of their arms. However, strict rules applied to dueling and were even specified by law. This splendid manuscript, commissioned by Duke Francis II of Brittany (1433-88) contains the “Ceremonies and Ordinances” regarding the resolution of quarrels by battle as specified in the constitutions of the King of France, Philip IV (1268-1314). Twelve gorgeous miniatures illustrate the manuscript from ca. 1460-65, many resembling tournament scenes.
The Powerful Duke of Brittany
Ruling as Duke of Brittany, Francis II was one of the most influential political figures of the mid-15th century. Aside from his own conflicts with the King of France in his struggle to maintain Breton autonomy from the rest of the Kingdom of France, he also played a critical role in the Wars of the Roses by harboring Henry Tudor and other supporters of the Lancastrian cause. It was at Rennes Cathedral on Christmas Day in 1483 that that Henry swore he would heal the Kingdom of England and unite the warring houses of York and Lancaster by marrying the daughter of King Edward IV, Elizabeth of York (1466-1503), which he did after his victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.
Dueling with Rules
The “Ceremonies and Ordinances” regard the laws of combat and the settling of quarrels by duel according to the constitutions created by King Philip IV of France. Following a splendid depiction of the royal coat of arms and dedication miniature of King Philip, another ten miniatures, all surrounded the dense floral borders with birds and drolleries, show the settling of a quarrel. Scenes include the knights presenting their arguments and engaging in prayer before finally setting things on the “field of honor”. The lovely late-Gothic imagery presents these scenes as though they were in a tournament and present wonderful details concerning clothing, arms, and armor during the period.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Libro de los torneos – Ceremonias y ordenanzas
Les Cerimonies et ordonnances qui se appartiennent à gaige de bataille fait par querelle, selon les constitutions faictes par le bon roy Phelippe de France - Size / Format
- 48 folios / 23.5 × 16.0 cm
- Origin
- France
- Date
- 1460–1465
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Artist / School
- Master of Jean Rolin or François Master
- Previous Owners
- Philippe de Béthune
Royal Library
1 available facsimile edition(s) of „Cerimonies et ordonnances “
Libro de los torneos. Ceremonias y ordenanzas
- Publisher
- Club Bibliófilo Versol – Madrid, 2019
- Limited Edition
- 350 copies
- Commentary
-
1 volume
Language: Spanish - More Information
- Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
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