The Battle of Nancy on 5 January 1477, which led to the death of the Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold, was a sadly memorable date for the Burgundians! It is also remembered by the people of Lorraine, but in a very positive way, as it marked the dazzling victory of the young Duke of Lorraine René II (only twenty-six years old), assisted by Swiss, German and French troops.
To celebrate these feats, Pierre de Blarru, one of the young duke's closest advisers, wrote a work in honour of his exploits: Insigne Nanceidos opus de bello Nanceiano, generally known as La Nancéide.
This long poem of some five thousand lines, which recounts the rout of the Burgundian army and the tragic fate of the last "great duke of the West", was first published in 1505, but was reprinted several times. The text is accompanied by beautiful woodcuts illustrating the various stages of the drama...
Another monument was devised to preserve the memory of these events: the victor over Charles the Bold had the immense basilica of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port erected at the gates of Nancy from 1481 onwards, to perpetuate the memory, while thanking Heaven for having precipitated the fall of René II's rival.
To celebrate these feats, Pierre de Blarru, one of the young duke's closest advisers, wrote a work in honour of his exploits: Insigne Nanceidos opus de bello Nanceiano, generally known as La Nancéide.
This long poem of some five thousand lines, which recounts the rout of the Burgundian army and the tragic fate of the last "great duke of the West", was first published in 1505, but was reprinted several times. The text is accompanied by beautiful woodcuts illustrating the various stages of the drama...
Another monument was devised to preserve the memory of these events: the victor over Charles the Bold had the immense basilica of Saint-Nicolas-du-Port erected at the gates of Nancy from 1481 onwards, to perpetuate the memory, while thanking Heaven for having precipitated the fall of René II's rival.