Arms and Armour of the Renaissance Joust

The Renaissance was a time of artists and noble patrons who challenged them to create great art. These patrons were knights, military leaders, and jousters who played a central role in the story of the armourer. Tobias Capwell reveals how the jousts and tournaments of the Renaissance transported knightly combat into a performance art, with demonstrations of aristocratic skill, nerve, strength, and horsemanship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Trustees of the Royal Armouries

The Renaissance, a captivating era, is often celebrated for its remarkable contributions to art, with iconic figures such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, Titian, and Holbein emerging as prominent figures. However, it is equally remarkable for the noble patrons who played a pivotal role in shaping this artistic landscape. These patrons were knights, military leaders, and jousters, who challenged their painters and sculptors to create masterpieces that would endure for generations.

The Renaissance patrons were not just mere collectors; they were active participants in the artistic process. They commissioned works that showcased their wealth, power, and sophistication, and they played a crucial role in shaping the artistic styles and techniques of the time. They encouraged artists to experiment with new materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of art.

One of the most significant aspects of the Renaissance patrons was their support for the armourer. The armourer was responsible for creating and maintaining the armor and weapons used in jousting tournaments and combat. During the Renaissance, jousting became a popular sport among the aristocracy, and the armourer played a critical role in ensuring that the participants were well-protected and equipped.

Tobias Capwell, in his book "Jousting: The Art of Medieval Combat," delves into the history of jousting through surviving artefacts in the collection of the Royal Armouries. He reveals how the jousts and tournaments of the Renaissance transformed knightly combat into a kind of performance art. The participants were not just warriors seeking glory; they were artists showcasing their aristocratic skill, nerve, strength, and horsemanship.

The jousts and tournaments of the Renaissance were not just about physical strength; they were also about the cutting-edge equipment used by the participants. The armor and weapons were meticulously crafted, with intricate designs and decorations that reflected the wealth and status of the noble patrons. The horses used in the tournaments were also specially trained, with incredible speed and agility that allowed them to perform incredible feats of maneuverability.

The Renaissance patrons played a central role in the story of the armourer, as they commissioned works that showcased the skill and craftsmanship of these artisans. They encouraged the development of new techniques and materials, which led to the creation of more durable and effective armor and weapons. The armourer's work was not just about protecting the participants; it was also about creating works of art that would be admired for their beauty and craftsmanship.

In conclusion, the Renaissance was not just an age of artists; it was also an age of noble patrons who challenged their painters and sculptors to create great art. These patrons were knights, military leaders, and jousters who played a central role in shaping the artistic landscape of the time. They supported the armourer, who played a critical role in creating and maintaining the equipment used in jousting tournaments and combat. Through their commissioning and support, the Renaissance patrons helped to elevate jousting to a level of performance art, showcasing the aristocratic skill, nerve, strength, and horsemanship of the participants.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 227 x 167 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780948092992