Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn by Arthur Hopkins
Today’s post is a wonderful guest article by Sandra Byrd, author of To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn.
Sandra looks at the art of courtly love and how several of the ‘rules’, as outlined in the definitive book by Andreas Capellanus, The Art of Courtly Love, interplayed for Anne and Henry.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did!
The Art of Courtly Love: Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII
by Sandra Byrd
The art of courtly love and chivalric romance so popular during the early medieval period saw a revival during the Tudor era. Because the majority of noble marriages were arranged, with the focus being on financial or political gain, courtly love was a gentle, parrying game of flirtation wherein people might express true, heart-felt affections. According to historian Eric Ives, “The courtier, the ‘perfect knight’, was supposed to sublimate his relations with the ladies of the court by choosing a ‘mistress’ and serving her faithfully and exclusively. He formed part of her circle, wooed her with poems, songs and gifts, and he might wear her favor and joust in her honor … in return, the suitor must look for one thing only, ‘kindness’ – understanding and platonic friendship.” Many of the plays and entertainments in Henry the Eighth’s court reflected these values and Henry himself, early in his reign, was very chivalrous and courtly indeed.
Continue reading here.
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