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Illuminations from the collection of Icelandic sagas, the Flateyjarbók.
A 14th century manuscript
Click on a thumbnail for a larger image.
Country of Origin: Iceland. Held by: Stofnun Arna Magnussonar a Islandi, Reykjavik, Iceland. Source: Werner Forman Archive
Referenced on p.42, MAA - 399 - Medieval Scandinavian Armies (2): 1300-1500 by David Lindholm and Angus McBride
Some of the armed men illustrated in the late 14th century Icelandic Flateyjarbók, a collection of sagas about the Scandinavian kings written around 1390.
As in so much 14th century Scandinavian art, the soldiers wear broad-brimmed chapels-de-fer;
in addition to swords and spears, many are also armed with large war-axes, just as their Viking forebears had been. Cf Plate D2.
Held in the Royal Library of Copenhagen for several centuries, the Flateyjarbók and another unique manuscript were ceremonially returned to Iceland in 1971;
many other Icelandic manuscripts followed. (Manuscript Institute, GKS 1005 Fol., Col. 130, Reykjavik, Iceland)
See also Illuminations from Hardenberg's Codex Norway, early 14th century
Scenes from the Life of Saint Olaf, Altar, Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway, first half of the 14th century
Other Illustrations of Scandinavian Costume and Soldiers
Other 14th Century Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers
