The Housebook Master (?) Middle Rhenish, active c. 1465/1500 Joust with Blunt Lances, from The Housebook, c. 1475-1485 pen and ink with watercolor and metal leaf Collection of the Princes of Waldburg-Wolfegg

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The code of chivalry dictated that knights not occupied with warfare should engage in jousts to develop expertise for battle. The practice of mock combat began in the twelfth century and conferred honor and status on the participants. In addition to prizes, the winner of the duel might claim some of his opponent's equipment and his horse as spoils, and even demand ransom. Although the goal was merely to unseat one's opponent, not to kill him, accidents were frequent and the church periodically -- but unsuccessfully -- attempted to ban the sport. The combatants in this joust prepare to attack each other carrying lances with blunt, three-pronged tips (coronals) and wearing the Stechzeug, a type of armor. They also carried a particular kind of shield, a targe. An example of both a Stechzeug and a targe are included in this exhibition.

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