Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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Domenico Ghirlandaio is in Painters.
On 2nd June 1448 Domenico Ghirlandaio was born in Florence, Tuscany.
Around 1475 Domenico Ghirlandaio (age 26). Portrait of Lucrezia Tornabuoni (age 47).
Lucrezia Tornabuoni: On 22nd June 1427 she was born to Francesco di Simone Tornabuoni in Florence, Tuscany. On 3rd June 1444 Piero di Cosimo de Medici and she were married. On 4th June 1469 Lorenzo de Medici and Clarice Orsini were married. The marriage had been arranged by his mother Lucrezia Tornabuoni. Her dowry was 6000 florins. On 25th March 1482 she died.
In 1488 Domenico Ghirlandaio (age 39). Portrait of Giovanna degli Albizzi (age 19) commissioned around the time of her death by her husband Lorenzo Tornabuoni (age 23). The figure is wearing precious clothes including a gamurra vest. On the right, behind her, are a hanging coral necklace (perhaps a rosary), a partly closed prayer book, and a Latin inscription, taken from an epigram by the 1st century AD poet Martial. She also holds a handkerchief. The figure of Giovanna is idealized in appearance and proportion which was the tradition of the time.
Many aspects of this portrait hold symbolic significance in emphasizing her wealth, status, and piety. Giovanna's fine clothing indicates her status and the wealth of her family.
The Tornabuoni emblem is present on her clothes, as well as two "Ls" on her shoulder, referring to her husband, Lorenzo. In addition to the clothes, the presence of pearls and brooches also emphasizes the family's wealth. The pendant featured in the portrait shows a small diamond set in gold above a large ruby with three pearls hanging beneath it. This was a signature ornament found in depictions of Giovanna and came from Lodovica's dowry. The coral beads seen in the background are likely a rosary, signifying Giovanna's religious piety. The book seen behind Giovanna, possibly a prayer book, also refers to her piety and educated status. A significant aspect of the background in this portrait is the cartellino behind Giovanna. The inscription is a modified excerpt of a poem by the author Martial: "ARS VTINAM MORES ANIMVM QVU EFFINGERE POSSES PVCHRIOR IN TERRIS NVLLA TABELLA FORET MCCCCLXXXVIII". This translates to "Art, would that you could represent character and mind! There would be no more beautiful painting on earth 1488".
Giovanna degli Albizzi: On 18th December 1468 she was born. Before 1488 Lorenzo Tornabuoni and she were married. In 1488 Giovanna degli Albizzi died in childbirth.
Lorenzo Tornabuoni: In 1465 he was born to Giovanni Tornabuoni. On 21st August 1497 Lorenzo Tornabuoni was beheaded for scheming with France against Florence.
Before 11th January 1494 Domenico Ghirlandaio (age 45). Portrait of Clarice Orsini.
Clarice Orsini: In 1450 she was born to Giacomo Orsini. On 30th July 1488 she died.
On 11th January 1494 Domenico Ghirlandaio (age 45) died.