Artworks

This fascinating manuscript contains Martin le Franc’s Livre de l’Estrif de Fortune et de Vertue (Book of the Dispute between Fortune and Virtue), portraying a debate between the female personifications of Fortune and Virtue with Lady Reason acting as referee. The discussion focuses on the whims of Fortune and soon turns to the advantage of Virtue. The text concludes that man can and should make his own destiny, as success is dependent on personal conduct and valuing spiritual feats above worldly goods. 

The author of the text, Martin le Franc (1410-c. 1461) was canon and provost of the Chapter of Lausanne Cathedral but wrote L'Estrif de Fortune et de Vertu at the request of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy (1393-1467). Despite being conceived in the context of the Burgundian court, the text is rather severe concerning morality and the conduct of the nobility but gained steadfast popularity during the late Middle Ages.

While the text of the manuscript was already finished in 1482, the painted initials and three opulent miniatures were added much later. It is possible that the revolt of the Flemish towns – among them Bruges and Ghent – prohibited the completion of the book at the time. More than thirty years later, Monseigneur de Lalaing bought the manuscript in 1519 and inscribed his name inside the front board. He can probably be identified with the illustrious Charles I, Seigneur de Lalaing (1466-1525), counsellor-chamberlain in the service of Maximilian I, Philip the Handsome, and Charles V. It is likely that Charles de Lalaing commissioned the illumination as he purchased the book. The manuscript was passed on in the family by descent and has never seen the market since the acquisition in 1519.

The three large illuminations opening the major text sections are inhabited by elegant courtly figures which situate the artist in the circle of the Master of Antoine Rolin, who had been working in Valenciennes for many years. However, the artist at hand extends the palette by adding warmer pigments, which enliven the stately looking figures. 

The concluding half-page illumination depicts the three female personifications: Lady Virtue, Lady Fortune and seated on a throne as arbiter, Lady Reason. With righteous determination Lady Virtue has broken the wheel of Lady Fortune, who is leaving the scene with hunched shoulders, anxiously looking back while Lady Reason extends her hands in an almost placating gesture. All three figures are clothed in luxurious garments with attractive trims and fashionable adornments. The illuminator masterfully conveys the richness of their garments by adding fine golden hatching as highlights. In the background of the scene, an elegant city scape can be observed. The three illuminations are very well balanced and elegantly executed befitting the Burgundian court in which this text was originally perceived.

Read more about this beautiful manuscript in our Spotlight on costumes, in our Spotlight on virtue, and in our Spotlight on Burgundy.