until 17/12/2022

Tournament

Tournament

Competition and Game

To this day, chivalric tournaments shape our perception of life in the Middle Ages. Initially, tournaments were competitions giving knights an opportunity to practise their military skills for more serious conflicts; over time, however, the focus shifted to displaying their skill and ability as well as having fun. Large-scale competitions reached their peak in the early 16th century. Highly specialised weaponry, elaborate rules and, not least, the splendid attire of the participants attracted people from all social classes. Tournaments often took place in well-organised proceedings over several days. Beyond such elaborate spectacles, warriors also fought in individual sword combats.

The studio exhibition illustrates through arms and armour the various types of tournaments. Detailed paintings of historical jousts give an idea of the liveliness of these competitions. Tournament and fencing manuals provide a deeper insight into refined combat techniques which required hard training. Highlights of the exhibition are two unique, nearly completely preserved models of horse and rider with tournament armour from the 16th century.

The exhibition is kindly sponsored by "Kaltenberger Ritterturnier".

Turnierreiter D179413

Publication

5,00 Euro

Love for detail – The model of a rider for the joust of peace

The small figure is one of the highlights of our studio exhibition “Tournament. Competition and game”. The figure was thoroughly analysed prior to the exhibition, also to dispel any doubts about its making some 500 years ago. The examination brought several surprising details to light, as the equipment of the horse comprises elements which are not existent anymore in original size. Probably intended as a toy for well-behaved boys, the figure was made in Nuremberg around 1550.
Our curator Raphael Beuing describes the unique model of a jousting man with his horse from the 16th century.