Hello,

As to having seen this kind of "wrestling" before... I have not. It is not a stretch to suggest that they are wrestling in some fashion. When I saw both the images that you cited, I thought of them testing the strength of the man standing. Like one would do using a modern squat test, perhaps the medieval test for lower body strength was to press against a seated person. Sorry that I cannot offer more, but foot and toe wrestling are not something commonly studied or even spoken about.

- Brycen

For those looking for the manuscripts, they are digitized here:

http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=royal_ms_2_b_vii_f001r (Q.M.P.)

http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=add_ms_42130_fs001ar (L.P.)

There are inter-cultural forms of foot/leg wrestling that go back centuries - I haven't come across this kind in any of Jean Pucelle's jocular marginalia, but I recall coming across a type of Gilma wrestling called 'Brokartok' Scandinavian leg/foot wrestling in Northern European medieval manuscripts c.820 - 1200. In Viking culture(s), it was a form of entertainment - a game, as well an aid in self-defence and tacticle training. Both men and women would participate - the goal was to trip and throw the upright person, who had to land on the balancing foot to stay in the game. It's much like Inuit and Aboriginal leg/foot matches today; a test of strength and core balance. I'm sorry I don't have a citation for you. However there are several reference books you could google on Medieval Games.  I've included an image of 'modern' foot boxing at the link below (image 5 Foot Boxing) with explanation.

Cheers,

Kim Pohl, MA Interdiciplinary History (Emphasis Art History)

"This feat tests a man’s stamina and balance. Clasp hands under your right knee and raise it up. Place your toes against your opponent’s toes. Push with your toes and try to force your opponent to lose his balance. First person to unclasp their hands loses."

www.artofmanliness.com