On the table this week
Pastimes of a Knight
Yesterday’s Fish
Due to the dramatic events, food is forgotten this week. Yesterday´s fish and a chalice of warmed wine is all we get. (Not eating in stressful times has never been a good approach, just sayin’.) But next week Uncle Norfolk comes to diner, that could be fun. ‘Lean Kitchen’ by Pieter Breughel, the Elder, 1563
Pastimes of a Knight
So, with a growling stomach, I turn to the world of tournaments and will try to distract myself with some pictures from the Imperial Armoury in Vienna. Deeds and activities of a knight (tennis, hunting, dance, siege, war, duel, tournament, theater) by an unknown artist, 1570-1580
‘Iron jaws and Frog mouths’
Not a frog, but I can offer a fox. The helmet belonged to Emperor Charles V's brother Ferdinand, the so-called “Fox helmet” (from around 1526-1529). To protect oneself from the impact of being hit by a lance on the head, a protective hood was worn under the helmet. The hood shown below dates from the late 15th/early 16th century.
Ready for every tournament competition
Different armour was necessary for the different competitions, be it on foot or on horseback. It was assembled in a kind of modular system around basic armor. This is the so-called “Eagle Set” from 1547, probably the largest set that is still completely preserved. It consists of a total of 87 individual parts. The set belonged to Archduke Ferdinand, nephew of Emperor Charles V.
Memorabilia
This is the tournament book of the knight Kasper of Lamberg with guest entries, dated 1504/1505. (The centre picture is ahead of its time and shows Henry this week)
Tournament gifts
Here are three tournament gifts called “faveurs” (favors): a wreath, a shoulder blanket and a women's sleeve (all second half 16th century). I have to say, the little heart is very cute.
For the little ones
Children can recreate the most exciting tournament fights with matching toys.
Haute Couture
Now let's turn away from the tournament field and turn to the catwalk. Even if tournaments go out of fashion towards the end of the century, armour remains in fashion. This magnificent piece belonged to Emperor Charles V. and was created around 1550-1555.
For me the most beautiful piece in the Imperial Armory: the armour of Alessandro Farnese, Duke of Parma (great-grandson of the Farnese pope Paul III.) The pictures can't fully convey it: It is captivatingly beautiful and at the same time eerie, there is something dark about it when you stand in front of it.
Very nice tour of tournament gear. I almost forgot my growling stomach ;)
Is there any more of that wine left?