The picture represents the disembarkation of the lady of Coucy at Boulogne-sur-Mer; and might, with slight alteration in the dresses of the principal personages, represent a party landing at Boulogne at the present time; for on the Continent, where liberal institutions and machinery have been more recent introductions than with us, habits and customs are far less changed. The form of the wheelbarrow is precisely that of the French wheelbarrows of the present day, and the blue frock of the man is still frequently worn by the barrow-men; the other porter too is carrying a trunk by means of a twisted rope, just in the manner which has descended to his successors of the present day on the quais of Calais and Boulogne, whilst the very form of the trunks is still orthodox with the manufacturers of such articles in the provincial towns of the Continent.
The respective characters of the party landing are most admirably delineated; the courtly step of the two male attendants, as they advance in earnest conversation, is cleverly contrasted with the boorish postures of the sailors and porters; and the serious propriety of the manner and expression of the lady, bearer of such evil tidings, is equally well discriminated from the pert nonchalance of the waiting-maid with her toilet-box and bundle. It is, on these accounts, one of the most interesting miniatures in the volume, though neither so richly coloured or highly finished as many others.[Pg 123]
The death of Pope Clement of Avignon.
PLATE XXVIII.
THE DEATH OF POPE CLEMENT OF AVIGNON.
This picture represents the death of Robert of Geneva, who died in the year 1394, at the papal palace of Avignon, with the title of Pope Clement VI., though, whether rightfully enjoyed or not, Froissart says he shall not discuss, as a matter not within his province. The heading of the chapter, “De la mort du pape Clement d’Avignon et de l’election du pape Benedic I., Chappitre 59,” is in red ink in the MS. The commencement of the chapter is, “En ce temps au mois de Septembre trespassa de ce siècle en son pallais d’Avignon Robert de Geneve, cy dessu nommé en nostre histoire[15].[Pg 127][Pg 126]”
