Courtly Love

      

   

From the CODEX MANESSE (or Große Heidelberger Liederhandschrift), highlighting the theme of "Courtly Love". The codex Manesse is actually an anthology of Medieval High German songs known as Minnesang poetry. Written and illustrated between ca.1304-1307 in Zürich for the wealthy merchant Manesse family.

Given: In a medieval setting, a princess finds herself sent to a foreign kingdom, destined to wed a man she scarcely knows. Unbeknownst to her, she embodies what I term the "medieval tool of diplomacy" – an essential pawn in sealing agreements, forging unions between kingdoms, or cementing peace treaties. Her fortune would be favorable indeed if the intended groom were a handsome, charismatic prince or a dignified king of noble bearing. Yet, what if fate cast her lot with an aging, portly widowed ruler? Her youth would be squandered in the pursuit of bearing an heir for the king, and she might rue her existence trapped within an unaffectionate union.

Then: A valiant knight enters the scene, a loyal vassal in service to the rotund monarch. Young, ambitious, and possessing striking looks, he beholds the youthful princess bride and is instantly captivated by her charms. In return, the princess herself becomes enamored by this gallant knight. But alas, a blissful conclusion remains elusive. She proceeds with her marriage to the king, while the fervent knight secretly and stylishly pursues his affections. Does chivalry find a place here? The knight, in a grand jousting tournament, showcases his prowess to win her admiration. All these acts are but attempts to impress the lady, to clandestinely convey his affection. In the shadows, they exchange stolen glances, while any opportunity for conversation is seized to share whispered sentiments. Love begins in words, a silent acknowledgement of their shared predicament, and perhaps lamenting the hopeless nature of their emotions. If fate permits stolen moments, the inevitable unfolds. These intricate elements, emblematic of a concept known in medieval times as "Courtly Love," are deftly woven into their story.

Love so hopeless and secretive, it needed a basket. From Codex Manesse (ca. 1304-1307)

The Troubadours of Medieval France were credited with originating the philosophy of courtly love. This concept emerged as a challenge to the prevailing norms of the time, pushing against conventional beliefs and calling for a redefinition of ideals related to manhood, marriage, virtues, and femininity, as dictated by the powerful Church. This innovative notion swiftly gained traction among French nobility before spreading to Germany and England. By the close of the 13th century, courtly love had become an established feature within the courts of Europe.

The term "amour courtois" was coined by a Frenchman named Gaston Paris, who introduced it in an 1883 article focused on his study of the medieval character "Lancelot." Paris asserted that courtly love did not revolve solely around sexual gratification, nor was it confined to a love that merely idolized virtues, or what we now think of as "Platonic" love. However, it cannot be denied that a certain level of sexual attraction may have been an underlying factor. Courtly love could encompass both a fulfilled physical love and an affection that persisted from a distance.

Another illumination from Codex Manesse

Themes of heroism, chivalry, and various forms of love, whether permissible or forbidden, emerged as prominent subjects within the courtly literature of European nobility during the Middle Ages. Among this social stratum, clandestine courtly relationships often involved the exchange of symbolic gifts, serving as tokens of their concealed affairs. Typically, ladies received songs, poems, bouquets, and chivalrous acts as expressions of devotion. As previously mentioned, these gestures of approval were often subtle hints of affection.

Courtly love found its artistic outlet in lyric poems, tales, and songs of the era, which were predominantly composed in the Provençal dialect. It is also characterized by its "extramarital" nature. Its instigators, the Troubadours, scorned the institution of marriage, branding it as "a glorified religious swindle."

Trobadours. Anonymous. From " Archiv für Kunst und Geschichte."  Berlin (14th Century)