Fireplace from a house in Le Mans, Cl. 19093 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux

Fireplace from a house in Le Mans

Description

On display - room 7

15th century

Late Middle Ages

Under the hood, at the base of the chimney mantel, a lintel with two returns is decorated with a frieze of ten characters in relief forming five couples. 

Under an ogee arch, the central couple stands either side of a heraldic shield hanging from a tree; the other couples exchange gifts, flowers, and crowns, in accordance with the codes of courtly love. The consoles that surmount the jambs are each decorated with a crouching figure. 

All these figures are wearing wide-sleeved houppelandes, which was in fashion in the 1400s.

From one artwork to another

Tenture de la Vie Seigneuriale, La Promenade, Cl. 2178 © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux

La Vie Seigneuriale

Début du XVIe siècle

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century