I made another thing!
My friend Madalena and I tag-teamed the creation of the scroll commemorating our Baron's elevation to the Order of Defense at May Crown, this year. It's based on the Romance of Alexander, and tells a delightful tale. I did the overall layout and initial inking at the beginning, and painted the marginalia at the end. In between, Madalena did the story, calligraphy, gold leaf and formal art. We're pretty pleased.
So, here are a bunch of photos, from inspiration and initial sketches to the point where I handed it off, and then the thing in its finished glory:
Del libro d'Enzio
The moment Enzio saw the bear he was filled with joy: likewise, when Bucephalus set eyes on Enzio, he bowed before him as if Enzio had ridden him since the beginning of time. Enzio called for bridle and saddle; no one was brave enough to deliver, so Enzio readied Bucephalus himself and away he rode. You would have laughed to see the people fleeing in all directions!
Later, during a splendid feast, a herald of Giovanni entered, declaring ‘Giovanni commands you render tribute, and thank him for allowing you to hold your land in peace so long!’ Baron Enzio, with glowering gaze fixed on the herald, shook his head – all who beheld were stricken with fear and awe. But even ablaze with loathing he retained control; he rose and in lordly fashion said: ‘Tell Giovanni these lands will never pay him tribute, and assure him that, for his offensive arrogance, I shall separate his head from his shoulders – if he is brave enough to meet me!’
In days Enzio assembled a massive force, greeting them with honour and such gifts that they were astonished by his largesse, graciousness and bounty. And Baron Enzio ordered his men to advance, and he himself rode at the front on the mighty bear Bucephalus.
The battalions clashed. Bristling spears and lances thrust, men and horses came crashing down, brains and blood gushed and spattered, and arms and heads and legs and necks were severed pitilessly: it seemed the sky was raining gore. Men were captured and rescued again with fearful effort and at terrible cost: the worthy, the brave and the valiant killed each other in a slaughter terrible to behold. And in the midst of it all was Enzio, naked sword in hand, seeking out the greatest numbers and the thickest press, performing such feats that the truth would read like fiction!
Giovanni was a shameful fugitive in his city, hearing Enzio’s herald proclaim, ‘As you’ve demanded tribute for noble Baron Enzio’s land, he’s bringing it with a hundred thousand men! He’s in your land preparing to make payment! He challenges you to single combat, if you dare.’
Giovanni finally found courage, and the two, filled with prowess and valor, drove in their spurs and charged at each other on mighty bear and supple unicorn, with all the force they could summon, each intent on destroying his foe. In this first clash they exchanged such blows that their lances smashed to pieces! They drew their swords and assailed each other with all their might. For a long while it was impossible to say who would win, for Giovanni was strong, a good foot taller, and endowed with greatest courage – but for his avarice and pride he’d have been one of the worthiest knights of his age; but Enzio was generous, courteous, strong, brave and clever, incomparably more so than Giovanni. On these two men fought with might and main, buffeting and battering one another; but at the very end Giovanni lost both sword and helm, and Enzio cast them aside with no thought at all of mercy or ransom, struck off his head, and fulfilled his promise.
So, here are a bunch of photos, from inspiration and initial sketches to the point where I handed it off, and then the thing in its finished glory:
Del libro d'Enzio
The moment Enzio saw the bear he was filled with joy: likewise, when Bucephalus set eyes on Enzio, he bowed before him as if Enzio had ridden him since the beginning of time. Enzio called for bridle and saddle; no one was brave enough to deliver, so Enzio readied Bucephalus himself and away he rode. You would have laughed to see the people fleeing in all directions!
Later, during a splendid feast, a herald of Giovanni entered, declaring ‘Giovanni commands you render tribute, and thank him for allowing you to hold your land in peace so long!’ Baron Enzio, with glowering gaze fixed on the herald, shook his head – all who beheld were stricken with fear and awe. But even ablaze with loathing he retained control; he rose and in lordly fashion said: ‘Tell Giovanni these lands will never pay him tribute, and assure him that, for his offensive arrogance, I shall separate his head from his shoulders – if he is brave enough to meet me!’
In days Enzio assembled a massive force, greeting them with honour and such gifts that they were astonished by his largesse, graciousness and bounty. And Baron Enzio ordered his men to advance, and he himself rode at the front on the mighty bear Bucephalus.
The battalions clashed. Bristling spears and lances thrust, men and horses came crashing down, brains and blood gushed and spattered, and arms and heads and legs and necks were severed pitilessly: it seemed the sky was raining gore. Men were captured and rescued again with fearful effort and at terrible cost: the worthy, the brave and the valiant killed each other in a slaughter terrible to behold. And in the midst of it all was Enzio, naked sword in hand, seeking out the greatest numbers and the thickest press, performing such feats that the truth would read like fiction!
Giovanni was a shameful fugitive in his city, hearing Enzio’s herald proclaim, ‘As you’ve demanded tribute for noble Baron Enzio’s land, he’s bringing it with a hundred thousand men! He’s in your land preparing to make payment! He challenges you to single combat, if you dare.’
Giovanni finally found courage, and the two, filled with prowess and valor, drove in their spurs and charged at each other on mighty bear and supple unicorn, with all the force they could summon, each intent on destroying his foe. In this first clash they exchanged such blows that their lances smashed to pieces! They drew their swords and assailed each other with all their might. For a long while it was impossible to say who would win, for Giovanni was strong, a good foot taller, and endowed with greatest courage – but for his avarice and pride he’d have been one of the worthiest knights of his age; but Enzio was generous, courteous, strong, brave and clever, incomparably more so than Giovanni. On these two men fought with might and main, buffeting and battering one another; but at the very end Giovanni lost both sword and helm, and Enzio cast them aside with no thought at all of mercy or ransom, struck off his head, and fulfilled his promise.
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