Battle of Fontenoy-en-Puisaye in 841 1460

Jean Fouquet created this vivid illumination of the Battle of Fontenoy-en-Puisaye around 1455-1460. The field of battle is a dense display of lances, swords, and armor, where the fleur-de-lis banners, symbols of French royalty, punctuate the scene. This heraldic emblem has deep roots, possibly originating from the Frankish kings and Clovis's conversion to Christianity. It is a stylized lily, the emblem of purity, but in the tapestry of time, it has transformed into a symbol of power, authority, and divine right. Like the eagle, the lion, and other emblems, the fleur-de-lis became deeply embedded in the collective consciousness, evoking emotions of loyalty, pride, and national identity. Observe the repetition of this emblem throughout centuries, from royal garments to architectural details; it reappears, each time subtly shifting in meaning, yet always resonating with the primal human desire for order and belonging. Fouquet masterfully engages these subconscious associations, compelling viewers to feel a deep, often unspoken connection to the scenes depicted.