The 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 showcase an idealized version of the life that knights aspired to embody. In a display of courtly love, Count Kraft von Toggenburg III approaches his lady in a tower. In courtly love, the knight promised to serve his lady in the same way that a vassal promised to serve his king.
Photograph by Fine Art/Album
The Codex Manesse's splendid miniatures showcase knights upholding ethical values and defending their faith. Here Tannhäuser, a knight of the Teutonic Order, defends Christianity, the bedrock of the chivalric life.
Photograph by AKG/Album
Games and sport were also part of the chivalric life. Here Conrad II, the duke of Swabia, is seen hunting with a falcon. 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.
Photograph by DEA/Album
The Codex Manesse 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 like playing games, especially chess, which Otto IV of Brandenburg plays in this illustration. 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.
Photograph by Erich Lessing/Album