HUNTING AND FALCONRY
As a metaphor for the inner perfection of the knight, falcons took flight
and served their master as the knight served his lord, mirroring the ideal
feudal relationship.
NOBLE PASTIMES
Chess was introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages and became
one of the most popular chivalric pastimes. There were numerous
treatises on the game in circulation.
CONRAD II, DUKE
OF SWABIA, HUNTING
WITH A FALCONOTTO IV OF
BRANDENBURG (LEFT),
PLAYING CHESS
ERICH LESSING/ALBUMDEA/ALBUMWELL-
ROUNDED
MEN
THE CODEX MANESSEhe Codex Manesse is a richly
illustrated work from the first half of
the 14th century that brings together many poetic
compositions of the Minnesänger (Germanic
troubadours). Its splendid miniatures, some of
which are displayed at left, showcase an idealized
version of the life that knights aspired to embody.
The codex suggests that the life of the knight was
not limited to combat or practicing with arms,
but was composed of a rich universe of courtly
activities that formed a kind of educational model
of its own. Pastimes such as hunting and falconry;
the playing of games, especially chess; and even
the intricate dance of courtly love had a meaning
and purpose that went beyond merely pleasing
hobbies. Upholding ethical values and defending
the faith underpinned everything.ULRICH VON
LIECHTENSTEIN,
DEPICTED
WEARING A
HELMET WITH AN
EFFIGY OF THE
GODDESS VENUS
AKG/ALBUM