The Roman de la Rose of François I

Haine and Felonnie, f. 7r


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In the image, two allegorical figures, HAINE (Hatred) and FELONNIE (Malice), are depicted standing in front of a high wall of a garden. HAINE is dressed in a long, red garment with holes in the elbows, wearing a white bandage on her head, and displays threatening gestures. On the other hand, FELONNIE is shown next to a lion, holding a sword in her left hand and an ignited vase in her right, with half of her body covered in golden armor and the other half with a wide blue cape. The miniature illustrates their characteristics, expressing hatred and malice.

The text also mentions that the portrait of FELONNIE was extended in the manuscript, describing her as wicked, irritable, and furious. The term "félonnement" in Old French refers to being unrestrained and irate, and the attributes used by the painter faithfully represent this idea.

The image contrasts with the figure of AMOUR (Love) in the Roman de la Rose, showing the opposition between love and hatred, loyalty, and betrayal. The addition of verses in the manuscript and the change in the meaning of certain terms reflect the understanding of the 16th century and add a more emblematic sense to the image.

 

ANOTHER form, of the same height,
I saw there, to Hatred's right;
By her head, her name I did see,
And she was entitled Felony;
While on Hatred's left, I saw,
Villainy made one portrait more,
Of the same aspect as those two,
And full as hideous to the view,
The same foul, repugnant nature;
She seemed indeed an ill creature,
Poisonous, spiteful, and malicious,
Ever slanderous, ever vicious;
And whoe'er such forms had made,
He knew well the artist's trade,
 

For she seemed a villainous thing,
Full of rancour, and ill-speaking,
A woman indeed who little knew
Of honour, where honour was due.
Covetousness
NEXT was shown Covetousness,
She who tempts men to possess;
Forever to take, and never give;
Gain wealth, but neglect to live.
Tis she who presses, with usury,


Haine et Félonie, f. 7r

Back

Haine and Felonnie, f. 7r

In the image, two allegorical figures, HAINE (Hatred) and FELONNIE (Malice), are depicted standing in front of a high wall of a garden. HAINE is dressed in a long, red garment with holes in the elbows, wearing a white bandage on her head, and displays threatening gestures. On the other hand, FELONNIE is shown next to a lion, holding a sword in her left hand and an ignited vase in her right, with half of her body covered in golden armor and the other half with a wide blue cape. The miniature illustrates their characteristics, expressing hatred and malice.

The text also mentions that the portrait of FELONNIE was extended in the manuscript, describing her as wicked, irritable, and furious. The term "félonnement" in Old French refers to being unrestrained and irate, and the attributes used by the painter faithfully represent this idea.

The image contrasts with the figure of AMOUR (Love) in the Roman de la Rose, showing the opposition between love and hatred, loyalty, and betrayal. The addition of verses in the manuscript and the change in the meaning of certain terms reflect the understanding of the 16th century and add a more emblematic sense to the image.

 

ANOTHER form, of the same height,
I saw there, to Hatred's right;
By her head, her name I did see,
And she was entitled Felony;
While on Hatred's left, I saw,
Villainy made one portrait more,
Of the same aspect as those two,
And full as hideous to the view,
The same foul, repugnant nature;
She seemed indeed an ill creature,
Poisonous, spiteful, and malicious,
Ever slanderous, ever vicious;
And whoe'er such forms had made,
He knew well the artist's trade,
 

For she seemed a villainous thing,
Full of rancour, and ill-speaking,
A woman indeed who little knew
Of honour, where honour was due.
Covetousness
NEXT was shown Covetousness,
She who tempts men to possess;
Forever to take, and never give;
Gain wealth, but neglect to live.
Tis she who presses, with usury,


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