Getty Museum
The Romans Feast in an Encampment While the Goths Starve
Creator
Boucicaut MasterFrench Illuminator · 1390–1430
All works by this person →In the early 1400s, the Boucicaut Master was the leading master of manuscript illumination in Paris and one of the most influential artists working in the International style in northern Europe. The Boucicaut Master appears to have supervised a talented team of artists who produced manuscripts commissioned by the king of France, high-ranking aristocrats, and the wealthy bourgeoisie. He probably al
More on Getty ULAN- Date
- about 1413–1415
- Medium
- Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink
- Culture
- French
- Department
- Manuscripts
- Institution
- Getty Museum
Though difficult to interpret precisely, this image of men feasting in a military encampment in Italy relates to the story of Radagaisus, leader of the Ostrogoths, who, after pledging to sacrifice all Italians to the gods, invaded Italy. Reaching Tuscany and confronted by the Roman army, Radagaisus was forced into the mountains, where he suffered from cold and lack of food and water. He and his entire army either succumbed to the dire conditions or were killed by the Romans. Boccaccio contrasted Radagaisus's failure with the victory of the Visigoth king Alaric, who successfully sacked Rome four years later. Alaric had vowed to spare the lives of Christians and was thus victorious.
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