Representation of Mongols in the Fleur des histoires de la terre d’Orient Illuminated for the Cabrera-Cruïlles Family

Among the many exotic populations represented in the richly illuminated manuscript of the Fleur des histoires de la terre d’Orient (BnF, n.a.f. 886) the Mongols have clearly been highlighted by the artist who carried out the illustrative cycle. This matches the views expressed in the text by its author, Hayton of Korykos, who stressed the strategic importance of an alliance between Mongols and Christians against the Mameluks of Egypt, who were holding the possession of the Holy Land. In this manuscript, illuminated in Catalonia for a member of the Cabrera-Cruilles families, exoticism is conveyed through the representation of arms and dresses. It is interesting to notice that the Mongols are the only population who is represented with unmistakable distinctive features: the conical hat, and the arch and arrows. In addition to indications based on the miniatures’ style, the iconographic analysis of the armours allows to suggest that the manuscript was produced during the first half of 14th century.