Donato Acciaiuoli, Charlemagne’s Life

Louis XI of France

Owners

Louis XI of France (1461-1483), who succeeded to the throne upon his father’s death in July 1461, was crowned on 15 August 1461.

He received this manuscript from the Florentine ambassadors on 2 January 1462. His name is inscribed within the dedication medallion (fol. 1v) and at the start of the author’s prologue addressed to the king (fol. 2r).

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1
Detail of the pink background under magnification (25x). The FORS spectrum (below) allows the identification of an organic red, with a reflectance minimum at c. 558 nm, on a gypsum substrate (absorption bands at 1448 and 1941 nm).
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2
Detail of the cherub’s face under magnification (12.5x). XRF analysis (below) reveals the presence of lead white (Pb) and an earth pigment (Fe) in the salmon-coloured wash present on the face.
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3
Detail of the cherub’s face under magnification (20x).
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4
Detail of the cherub’s face under magnification (20x). XRF analysis of his brown hair (below) reveals the presence of mosaic gold (Sn, tin and S, sulphur) and lead white (Pb).

Dedication to Louis XI

The dedication to Louis XI of France is written in gold and azurite blue capitals within a blue, green and pink medallion (hotspot 1) supported and flanked by cherubs (putti). It is surmounted by the royal arms of France, also supported by putti, with two more kneeling above the shield. The putti’s flesh tones and hair were painted with a subtle but effective technique which exploits the creamy white colour and the texture of the parchment, which is left showing in most areas (hotspots 2-4). 

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