THE MEETING OF CHARLES VI. OF FRANCE, AND THE DUKE OF BRITTANY AT TOURS.
Misunderstandings having long existed between the King (Charles VI.) of France and the Duke of Brittany, and being much increased by the protection afforded by the Duke to Sir Peter de Craon, many feared that other powerful Lords might follow his rebellious example, and the supremacy of the Crown, by degrees, be lost. It was, therefore, determined to invite the Duke to a conference with the King at Tours, which, after some difficulty, was effected; and though much bitterness was shown on both sides during the discussion, all disputes were eventually adjusted, and a general good understanding secured, by the proposal of a marriage between the son of the Duke of Brittany and a daughter of the King of France; and also between a son of the Lord of Blois and a daughter of the Duke of Brittany.
This illumination is among the best in the volume; the colours are vivid, and the gold enrichments managed with good effect; the moment represented is, doubtless, the first meeting of the Duke and the King, the former kneeling, (having removed his coronet), in token of homage. The two personages on the right are the Dukes of Burgundy and Berri, the King’s uncles. The introduction of the Pages of the Duke of Brittany in the foreground is managed with good effect; and the design of the apartment, with its tapestries, &c. is very interesting, as exhibiting a system of colouring, in which the ceiling is the darkest feature, and the floor the lightest: a principle just resuscitated with great effect by some of our leading architects.[Pg 44]
The retaking and surrender of the strong Castle of Ventadour.
PLATE IX.
THE SURRENDER AND RE-TAKING OF THE STRONG CASTLE OF VENTADOUR[1].