Guillaume de Machaut: Poetical Works

This manuscript contains a collection of works of Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1300-1377) who was a pioneering musician and also one of the most important representatives of French literature in the 14th century. The 104 miniatures of striking quality led French book painting in new directions in the third quarter of the 14th century, as it came to be dominated by the naturalistic representation of visual impressions. This collection from the middle of the century is the oldest surviving illustrated edition of his works, of which the verse narrative La Remède de Fortune is the best known.

The artistically striking quality of the miniatures suggests that the patron was of high rank and connected with the Parisian court. The pictures were painted by the artist known to researchers as the Master of the Remède de Fortune.

The miniature on folio 51r, illustrating the poem Remède de Fortune, depicts dancers on a lawn covered with flowers in front of the castle of Dame Espérance (Hope), who can be recognised as the fifth from the right by her cap. To the right, three new arrivals, one of them still in a travelling cloak observe a ring dance with singing.

The merry party includes the poet Machaut, Espérance's lover, who can be identified by his pointed beard and sword. As the look given him by his lady indicates, it is now his turn to perform a chanson balladée (ballad). As in other folios in the manuscript, the miniaturist has placed particular emphasis on the careful reproduction of contemporary fashion.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 27 minutes): Carl Guillaume de Machaut: 4 ballades