In this manuscript the statues of the Chamber of Beauties are depicted, from the Roman de Troie by Benoît de Sainte-Maure: the illuminator produced the miniature following the text’s indications closely. The author interpreted literally the rubric describing four automata in the likeness of young men and women. However, a curious linguistic misunderstanding occurred: the archaic terms for youths (danziaus and danziel) were confused with dangel, leading to the depiction of angels rather than human figures. According to the manuscript, these animated statues perform specific actions: a young woman looks at herself in a mirror and another is engaged in games; a young man, his head crowned, plays an instrument, while his companion holds essences and a censer.
The Statues of the Chamber of Beauties
Date:
1330 ca.
Location:
Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Ms. français 60
Author:
Richard de Montbaston, or workshop
Technique and materials:
Illuminated manuscript
Dimensions:
Not documented
Provenance:
Not documented
Sources:
