A Battle from the Trojan War

Although the battle of Troy as a historical event took place in ancient Greek times, this artist depicted it in the guise of a medieval tournament. The raging battle takes place before the fortified walls of a medieval town, whose central tower thrusts beyond the confines of the miniature's golden frame. The artist portrayed the Trojans and Greeks as medieval knights on horseback equipped with armor of the 1300s, and the composition recalls contemporary illustrations in chivalric manuscripts. The rhythm of the water, the posture of the central knight, and the opposition of the lances give this early International style composition a dynamic quality.