Presented at Battle on the Bay, 25 September, A.S. LVI (2021).
When Kolfina (formerly Korrin) Valrvn asked me to collaborate on this scroll, I was so excited. Mistress Ysabeau and her partner are the reason I am a scribe today. They held scriptoriums and craft days at their home when I was a new Scadian and let me color blanks until I was thoroughly hooked. This scroll is based off pages from the Great Heidelberg song manuscript (Codex Manesse) from 1300-1340. I chose an image with a weaver, one of Ysabeau's many passions, and surrounded them with friends for the many people Ysabeau has taught and inspired.
I am so proud of the final scroll because I it really challenged me. I was pushed physically by all the fine detail work. Painting draping fabric is my biggest weakness next to portraits, but I think I succeeded within the context of the exemplar. And finally, getting four different, realistic skin tones and hair colors/textures to represent the diversity of our local group was really important to me and I think I did it justice.
The final work is on two 8"x10" pieces of pergamenta. The materials were gouache, mica watercolor gold, and red ink. Lady Kolfinna did the matting and framing.
The words are written by Lord Ishmael and read:
Je dirai le lai d’Ysabeau,
L’hermine précieuse: l'histoire, mon cadeau
When stunning feast she richly laid;
Music, games of all sorts were played,
And Ysabeau did make a place
For all in need, and on her face
No hint of feelings deeply troubled,
Or, by a little anger, ruffled,
Though she had much work yet to do.
As the warm festivities grew
They marveled at her, time again,
All who saw her, men and women.
Her hospitality drew cheers
One count for each the many years
Fine Ysabeau had spun fine cloth,
Always clothing someone else, by troth.
Speaking of, had she on the loom
Yet one more brocade yet to bloom.
So, that night, continued harps and song
Were distant as she left the throng,
La baronne went to quiet wood;
For there her loom had often stood.
She doffed her cloak (the better then
Prepared for work) to weave again.
Soon enough, she heard the crowd,
Of beloved neighbors, not loud,
Come gather round with drinks, and sit
For they had quickly noticed it:
Her disappearance, not to bed,
But to work for their good instead.
So Ysabeau worked her brocade,
While friends and neighbors nearby laid
On the green in sweet company:
Jovial friends, students ‘neath the trees.
To love them through her works, and bless
Them--it's who she is, and no less.
In glad support, and good service,
Of Ysabeau, I do know this:
La Dauphine Dorée certaine,
béni par nous, le roi et la reine.Done by King Eckehard and Queen Jane this 25th day of September, A.S. LVI