The Book of Tournaments by René d’Anjou
King Rene’s Tournament book (Le Pas de Saumur). 15th century. Decade of the 1470s.
National Library of Russia.
One of the most beautiful manuscripts in the Russian National Library in St Petersburg.
The manuscript contains 91 illustrations of great historical value, which are fascinating for their sense of impetus and vivid detail.
The masterfully executed miniatures are based on the original drawings, now lost, by Barthélemy d’ Eyck, an excellent painter who worked for long periods at the court of King René d’ Anjou.
This facsimile edition is worldwide print and run of 580 copies, of which only 150 are available for Spain.
About King René’s Tournament Book
King René’s Tournament Book is a medieval text that provides a fascinating insight into the world of chivalry and knightly tournaments during the 15th century. King René had organized the tournament in Saumur in the year 1446 to demonstrate their ideals of life and promote the values of bravery and generosity. The book, originally written in Old French as le traictié de la forme et devis d’ung tournoy, is a poetic description of the tournament and the rules that govern it. The text is believed to be authored by King René himself based on the lost original, and a modern English translation is available for those interested in medieval history, literature, and culture.
René also knew the importance of recording this event for posterity, as the Petersburg manuscript provides a transcription of the original text, giving us a glimpse into the world of chivalry and knightly combat. The tournament, which involved two knights from different regions such as Sicily, Bar, and Lorraine, was organized for his knights to showcase their skills and prowess in combat. The Traictié de la forme et gives us a unique insight into the world of medieval tournaments and the values that were upheld during such events.
René d’Anjou: a politician, patron and poet
René d’Anjou, also known as René of Anjou or King René, was a prominent figure in the late Middle Ages as a politician, patron, and poet. Born in 1409, he held titles such as the Duke of Anjou and the King of Naples. He was also the Duke of Lorraine and the Duke of Bar. René was a skilled jouster and had a deep appreciation for the arts. In the year 1446, he organized a tournament at Saumur, probably commissioned by him, showcasing his prowess in the joust. René was not only a patron of the arts but also a talented poet. He presented a medieval French book called Livre des Tournois to his knights at Saumur in 1446. This book, also known as Das Turnierbuch für René d´Anjou, put all other tournaments to shame with its detailed descriptions and illustrations of jousting events.
One of the key features of Livre des Tournois is the elaborate depiction of the coat of arms and crests of the knights involved in the tournament. René of Anjou, being a skilled artist himself, probably had a hand in designing these intricate symbols. The book also includes instructions on how to conduct oneself during a joust, emphasizing chivalry and honor. René’s dedication to the tournament scene is further highlighted by his collaboration with the artist Barthélemy d’Eyck, who illustrated the Livre des Tournois in stunning detail.
The Livre des Tournois is a valuable source of information for historians studying medieval French culture and customs. René’s influence on the tournament scene was immense, and his commitment to preserving the traditions of chivalry and honor is evident in the pages of this codex. The book has been translated into modern English, allowing a wider audience to appreciate René d’Anjou’s contributions to the world of jousting and medieval poetry.
Images of The Book of Tournaments by René d’Anjou
Explore the complete collection of works related to history, genealogy, and heraldry, featuring valuable facsimiles that preserve historical and cultural heritage.
- Liber Chronicarum: This facsimile is a reproduction of one of the most important chronicles of the Renaissance, known as the Nuremberg Chronicle. It contains a rich compilation of world history from creation to the year 1493, illustrated with detailed woodcuts.
- Book of the Knights of the Brotherhood of Santiago: A manuscript documenting the history and activities of the Brotherhood of Santiago, an organization of knights dedicated to the protection and promotion of the cult of Apostle Santiago in the Middle Ages.
- Charter of Pledge of the Cid and Doña Jimena: This work contains the transcription and reproduction of the arras letters exchanged between El Cid and Doña Jimena, providing an intimate glimpse into the marital customs and practices of the time.
- Documents of The Cid: A collection of historical documents shedding light on the figure of El Cid, his life, and his legacy. These facsimiles are essential for understanding the history and mythology of this iconic Spanish hero.
- Rule of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Gamonal and Book in which the Knights of the Brotherhood are painted: A manuscript detailing the rules and statutes of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Gamonal, an important medieval fraternity dedicated to Marian worship and charity.
CONTACT US