Getty Museum
Julius Caesar, Escaping from the Island of Pharos, Swims to a Boat while Holding a Letter
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
Chased by Egyptians and forced to flee from his sinking boat, Julius Caesar swims to another ship holding a letter raised above the water in his hand. Although Boccaccio did not reveal the contents of this letter, he described in detail the events leading to Caesar's desperate plight. While chasing an enemy during the Roman civil war, Caesar had entered Alexandria, Egypt. After the Romans set fire to the Egyptian king's boat, which was stranded ashore, the flames spread to the famous royal library and destroyed 40,000 books. Caesar withdrew to the island of Pharos but then had to retreat from the enraged Egyptians. During his hasty flight from the island, Caesar was forced to abandon his sinking ship and swim to safety. Caesar later defeated the Egyptian army, captured the Egyptian king, and then granted control of Egypt to the king's sister Cleopatra.
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