A final instance of the influence, or rather
the inroad, of Flemish art in Portugal in the fifteenth century may be
shown in the MS. called the Portuguese Genealogies in the British
Museum.
The work consists of eleven large folio sheets separately mounted and
measuring eighteen by ten inches. It commences with a prologue, with the
arms of Portugal supported by two savages, having clubs and shields.
Outside the inner frame are three scenes: (1) wild animals in combat;
(2) a sea-nymph being rescued; (3) a fight among sylvan savages. Next
comes a series of portraits painted in the most finished and life-like
style, beginning with Dom Garcia F° del rey Abarca and Dona Constancia
on a fruitful tree with foliage, fruits, and birds, a cat, and other
things. The tree is an oak, beside it are apple and cherry trees. On the
oak are green acorns. The birds are very beautiful, the cat simply
perfect. These details recall the highly finished and lovely work of
Georg Hoefnagel on the great Missal at Vienna. Gothic brown-gold
architecture and three battle scenes complete the page.
Then follow the genealogical tables, and more portraits, the whole
showing the most patient and careful work. Letters on the borders of the
robes recall the same kind of ornament in the Grimani Breviary at
Venice.
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