Anonymous: Codex Manesse, folio 13r (1305-1340)

(Heidelberg University Library, Heidelberg, Germany)

A miniature made by an unknown 14th century Swiss/ German artist. This illustration comes from the so-called 'codex Manesse'. The book is named after the Manesse family for which it was probably made. The codex is a collection of poems (most of of them are Minnesang, a type of lyric- and song-poetry in Germany about (courtly) love). In the book about 140 poets are presented each followed by the text of their works. Each poet is shown in a 'portrait' which is sometimes motivated by the biography of the person depicted, inspired by the motif from the poet's name or inspired from the lyrics of their poems. The poets range from high ranking nobles to commoners. This illustration shows Margrave Otto IV von Brandenburg-Stendal (1238–1308). Otto IV was described as someone who lived his life after chivalric ideals and who was also active as a minstrel - seven of his songs have been preserved. The illustration showns Otto playing chess with a woman while musicians are playing music at the bottom. Illustration from 1305-1340.