Ambr. F 205 inf., miniatures VI and VII: description

Ambr. F 205 inf., miniatures VI and VII

The two miniatures illustrate Il. 1.345–369. The two images are arranged one above the other without any clear division; in fact, the top of the tent in miniature VII extends into the space above miniature VI. This is not an isolated example; see also XVI–XVII, XX–XXI, XXXI–XXXII, XLIV–XLV, and XLIX–L.

In miniature VI, Achilles sits in his tent, surrounded by other characters as in miniature V; to his right, Briseis turns to look at him as the two heralds drag her away, holding her by the elbow and wrist, respectively. In miniature VII, the tent of Achilles and his companions can be seen on the right. The hero rests his head on his right hand, leaning his elbow on his knee in a contrite manner. On the left is his mother, Thetis, reaching out towards the tent with her right hand and two raised fingers. The sea is towards the left margin, from which Thetis emerged to go to her son, according to the poem (1.348 ff.). The entire sheet is in poor condition, being both damaged and patched. Bianchi Bandinelli has identified pictorial additions to image VII dating from the 11th century.