Book of the duchess: hanging of the peasant

Number 4: Michael, on his way to Vannes, befriends a peasant woman whose husband is to be hanged by order of Guillot, the duchess’ provost marshal

The plot episode 3 (summarised from the text of Lorna’s novel)

The day that Michael left the monastery at Grâce à Dieu for Vannes, he encountered an escort of men-at-arms and a captive. The peasant was to be hanged for stealing a deer to feed his hungry family.

Michael was powerless to save the peasant, who had been convicted without a trial. He was, however, able to help the family a little by taking the man’s wife and child to the sanctuary of a nunnery. At least there they would not be obliged to witness the execution.

This is the first time that Michael witnessed (and started to believe in) the harsh rule of law in the duchy.

Lorna’s remarks

This, by the paper, is one of the last of the original series… and shows quite an advance on what was about two years in time. The composition is sound and the drawing sturdy and animated, if rather heavy. There are minor mistakes in the length of Michael’s legs and neck, and the unsupported jut of the woman’s head, which is an impossibility.

From the point of view of the story, this is the first appearance of the duchess’ guard henceforth conspicuous by their buff hose, brown doublets and green hoods.

Michael wears his coat of arms which reappears with variations throughout the series and the black haired ruffian in brown is to be noted for appearing again in Number 24. He is Pierre le Grand, the villain's satellite.

Compare the figure of the man-at-arms to the extreme right of the torch bearer in Number 9. They were obviously copied from the same picture.