Conquest of Carmignano
Villani Chronicle, 1390s

Ms. Chigi L.VIII.296. Biblioteca Apostolica, Vatican.

MINIATURIST, Italian (active in 14th century in Florence)
Villani Chronicle
1390s
Manuscript
Biblioteca Apostolica, Vatican

The Chronicle depicts scenes from the history of Florence. This miniature represents the Conquest of Carmignano. The miniaturist followed French examples.
Source: Web Gallery of Art, Italian illuminated manuscripts (1351-1400)

Held by Biblioteca Apostolica, Vatican. Ms. Chigiano L.VIII.296

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BOOK VI. § 5. — How the Florentines led an army against Pistoia, and laid waste the country round about.
In the year of Christ 1228, when M. Andrea of Perugia was Podestà of Florence, the Florentines led an army against Pistoia with the Carroccio, and this was because the Pistoians were making war against Montemurlo, and ill-treating it; and the said host laid waste the country round about the city up to the suburbs, and destroyed the towers of Montefiore which were very strong; and the fortress of Carmignano surrendered to the commonwealth of Florence. And note that upon the rock of Carmignano there was a tower seventy cubits high, and thereupon two arms in marble, whereof the hands were at Florence; wherefore the artificers of Florence, to express contempt for money or ought else offered to them, were wont to say: "I can't see it, for the fortress of Carmignano is in the way." And the Pistoians hereupon agreed to whatever terms the Florentines might devise, and caused the said fortress of Carmignano to be destroyed.
Source: The Project Gutenberg eBook, Villani's Chronicle, by Giovanni Villani, Edited by Philip H. Wicksteed, Translated by Rose E. Selfe