La reine Thamyris décapite le cadavre de Cyrus · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: La reine Thamyris décapite le cadavre de Cyrus
Period: 1400-1450;
Geographic: Scythia
Description: When Cyrus’ army, ruler of Asia Minor, stormed Thamyris’ kingdom, she had a strategy to outsmart them. When her young soldiers were tempted by wine, they fell asleep and were slaughtered, meaning her strategy was not successful. After many of her soldiers died, she tricked Cyrus’ army and was able to successfully attack back. Cyrus did not escape, and was instead ordered to be decapitated by Thamyris, and then have his head stuck in a bag full of her soldiers’ blood. The image represents the ongoing battle as men in the background fight, with Thamyris in a blue gown decapitating Cyrus in the foreground. Cyrus is clearly recognized on the ground with blood pouring out and Thamyris’ sword on his neck.
Image Creator: Master of the Cleres Femmes of the Duke of Berry (Illuminator)
Type: Text; Illumination
Identifier: mta:20029
Language: fre
Source Name: Livre des Femmes Nobles et Renommées
Parent Collection: 1403 Paris; 1403 Paris
Image: mta_20029_OBJ.png
Collection: Early Modern Women
Subject: Decapitation; Thamyris; Battles